Help with Orchids please. - Orchid Board

LoopyLou · #1 06-19-2013, 12:41 PM

Hello,

Im new here and was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on looking after my orchids.

I have been looking online at different websites but they can have come conflicting advice.

I have 2 phalaenopsis which I have had for a while, one I saved from my mum as it was dyeing the leaves were all wrinkly and droopy. Im not sure if it can be saved but the leaves are a lot more plump and green, so im assuming its responding?

My 2nd phal is growing a new leaf and is doing well although it has recently developed a mark on one leaf. It started off white and has now gone brown. I think its just sunburn but am not sure. I have attached a pic below.

I water these once a week and spray them with Orchid mist twice a week. Is this the correct thing to do?

My 3rd I bought at the weekend it a Miltoniopsis It was £1.99 in the sale as the flowers and the stem had died off. I think the plant is healthy just a little droopy from being in the shop. Please can anyone give me some advice on how to look after it? I really want it thrive and do well.

Hope i have put this in the right place am still finding my way around. Thanks

Catharina · #2 06-19-2013, 01:32 PM

Hi!
I got the same on one of my phals that i had in the window, its doing great after i put it in a place with less sun and is in ful bloom at on two spikes and just set another. My bet would be sun burn, but im no expert, just joined the site myself! Welcome!

Discus · #3 06-19-2013, 01:48 PM

If you want the be all and end all of Phalaenopsis lore, there's this thread of doom: http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html

I also have this post Orchids on a Balcony: How to grow Phalaenopsis - an orchid blog "meme"? which may help you.

As for the damage on your plant, it looks OK; it's dried up nicely (and isn't weeping) so you don't need to worry about infections etc. This could have been from sun, heat/cold or physical damage.

Previously limp, droopy leaves that are thickening up again is a good sign.

Miltonias/Miltoniopsis like to be a bit cooler than Phalaenopsis, but at typical UK temperatures in the home, both should be fine. Otherwise, their care is pretty similar.

LoopyLou · #4 06-19-2013, 02:24 PM

Thank you both!

They all seem to be doing well, I was a bit concerned when that mark appeared on the leaf though.

Thanks Discus I will have a read through those threads.

Do you know if its safe to use the orchid mist on the Miltoniopsis? I assume its for all orchids.

Bud · #5 06-19-2013, 02:48 PM

the leaf had mechanical damage looking at the scratches on the edge then the plant is now combating fungi infestation that set in as the yellow ring around the damaged area....if the dark area doesn't grow bigger then just leave it be....if it grows bigger; then you have to cut the damaged part and dab the wound with cinnamon paste(water and cinnamon powder)

Discus · #6 06-20-2013, 04:22 AM

I'm not familiar with Orchid Mist; googling I found this: Miracle-Gro Orchid Mist

Is that it?

It will be safe on the orchids you have, although if you *want* to be misting your plants, I'd rather use plain water (preferably very pure water like rainwater, reverse osmosis or distilled; much of the water in the UK is very hard [Limescale in your kettle? Your water is hard.]) The reason I say that is that orchid mist has fertilisers etc. in there that will eventually build up on the leaves, which isn't ideal.

The plants I recall you having for the most part don't really need misting anyway; if your phalaenopsis has or develops aerial roots, these will appreciate regular misting (with either water or your orchid mist).

LoopyLou · #7 06-20-2013, 09:30 AM

No that's not it.

Google this - Orchid Myst Ready to Use Complete Care for Orchids. It wont let me post a link.

A friend uses it on her orchids and they are the most beautiful orchids and they have huge flowers. I use it mainly as it feeds the plants.

I have also just invested in a water putt to collect the rain water so I can use that for watering them. Its filling up as I type!

LoopyLou · #8 06-20-2013, 09:31 AM

No that's not it.

Google this - Orchid Myst Ready to Use Complete Care for Orchids. It wont let me post a link.

A friend uses it on her orchids and they are the most beautiful orchids and they have huge flowers. I use it mainly as it feeds the plants.

I have also just invested in a water butt to collect the rain water so I can use that for watering them. Its filling up as I type!

Discus · #9 06-20-2013, 09:40 AM

Growth Technology

As I more or less said earlier, the "myst" should be fine, but I'd watch out for too much build-up of stuff on the leaves of the plant (you may be able to rinse off any excess with rainwater about once a month or so). Fertilisers and the like are obviously good for your plants, given in moderation. The packaging and info I was able to see didn't really say how strong the stuff is - I suspect quite weak (which is good when you're dealing with orchids). As I mentioned before, it's probably best to do misting and the like early in the day allowing the dampness to dry off before the cool night air.

Good luck with the rainwater

MrsH530 · #10 06-20-2013, 09:47 AM

This product sounds interesting. Based on reviews, it seems people are happy with it. I'd like to see what other OB users think of it? I've only been using the Better Gro Orchid Food on mine since February, but I'll switch to this if it'll work better