bare-rooting some phals

[jesscorine]

more clearance phal questions

I have 3 that were clearly rotted when I purchased them. I cleaned up the roots the best I could. All three have new roots pushing out the top of the base. I noticed my potting medium (miracle grow brand, too dense IMO) wasn't drying out so I just pulled them all out. They are literally hanging bare-root from my laundry rack that I have all my plants on outside. I just spray them anytime I'm out there and see white on the root nubs. One of them has a secondary spike that is pushing out buds, so I really only care about that one. Anyways, if they're going to pull through (the two that are looking sad, wilted, rotted roots, but pushing new roots out), they should be fine just 'hanging out' like that for awhile, right?

[Discus]

As long as you spray those roots enough and the environment is generally fairly humid, yes, they should pull through. If the leaves start to shrivel, though, you'll know they're not getting enough water.
Many people seem to find that brand does not accomplish what it's name suggests when it comes to orchids... Try and get a more specialised orchid mix from somewhere; there are plenty of online vendors who will happily ship you a better mix. Some will even make them up to your specifications.

[jesscorine]

Originally Posted by Discus

As long as you spray those roots enough and the environment is generally fairly humid, yes, they should pull through. If the leaves start to shrivel, though, you'll know they're not getting enough water.
Many people seem to find that brand does not accomplish what it's name suggests when it comes to orchids... Try and get a more specialised orchid mix from somewhere; there are plenty of online vendors who will happily ship you a better mix. Some will even make them up to your specifications.

Yes, For what I can pick up locally, I like the BetterGro bark. I used that for the splits from my mom's plants. I need to get a bag for everything else...I'm moving in less than a month so I'm just trying to get by until I can settle everything into it's new home (along with myself and kids).

[Discus]

Good luck with your plants - and the move!

[james mickelso]

No, that is a perfect name for this potting mix. It's a miracle orchids can grow at all in this c#&p. Whatever mix you get (besides miracle grow) make sure you sift it through at least a window screen before using it. The fine material plugs up the spaces between the more coarse material impeding air flow through the potting media. the phals will grow just fine where they are as long as it's not too bright and they get enough water. Once a day should be ok preferably in the morning and don't get water in the crown.