Round Two (Phal Advice for a Beginner)

[Midelaye]

Hello! I'm Mya, and I would really love to get into orchid growing. Unfortunately, I haven't had too much luck so far.

About a month ago, I bought a beautiful phalaenopsis from a small nursery around the corner from me. The orchid seemed to be doing fine for about a month, but then it started loosing it's lower leaves. I did some research and found out that this was normal. However, I then started loosing buds. After the last bud fell off today I pulled the plant out of the pot (after all, I couldn't really do any more damage), and found that the roots were brown and squishy. I ended up throwing it out because I'm pretty sure it's past saving.

The phal sat in a plastic container with holes in the bottom, which was inside a pot. I watered it with room temperature to warm water once a week by soaking the woodchips in the container and then letting it drain in the sink before putting it back in the pot (so it was never sitting in a puddle of water). My house is kept at a consistent temperature of 71 degrees Celsius. The phal was placed far away from any vents or windows, and the sunlight it received was through a North-facing window with a translucent shade. I never fertilized it (because I was scared of over doing it and killing the phal), and I didn't repot/check the roots after purchasing because I wasn't aware that I had to.

I loved my phal while it lasted, and I'm planning to go out and purchase a second one this weekend. Any tips for me so this one doesn't go the same way as the first?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I recommend the following:

1. Read - http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html

2. Buy a Phal that is very easy to grow.

The following would be in my top list of Phals for beginners, (they're listed in alphabetical order):

1. Phal equestris (choose any variant)
2. Phal philippinensis
3. Phal pulcherrhima (choose any variant)
4. Phal sanderiana (choose any variant)
5. Phal schilleriana (choose any variant)
6. Phal stuartiana (choose any variant)

[SHag42]

Welcome to OB Midelaye,

I am a beginner also and still learning the ropes. I do agree with King of orchid growing. Read "The Phal Abuse Stops Here". I have found a lot of good info in that post. One bit of advice I can give is that if the plastic pot inside the container happens to be clear take it out of the container and have a look at the roots, they should be green and plump, and you will have an idea of what shape the roots are in before you buy it. Although you may get a few weird looks it is well worth it. Others on here will be able to give you lots of great advise. They are a great bunch and always willing to share their wisdom. Good luck with your next orchid.

[Wild Orchid]

I would suggest to repot ANY PHAL immediately after bringing it home, allow lots of air pockets in the media and water it very lightly for the first month or two.

I leave some phals bare feet for a few weeks if the root system is weak, allowing the roots to dry between the waterings and lightly misting just the roots - only when the roots are completely dry and of silver colour as opposed to green when being moist.

I also cut off the spike right away as it's not going to rebloom anyway and will last the same amount of time in the vase while the plant is adjusting.

The most important thing is to let the plant establish itself, start growing new roots and leaves. Flowers will come later.

You can do it!

WO

	Mistking Looking for a misting system? Look no further. Automated misting systems from MistKing are used by multitude of plant enthusiasts and are perfect for Orchids. Systems feature run dry pumps, ZipDrip valve, adjustable black nozzles, per second control! Automatically mist one growing shelf or a greenhouse full of Orchids. See MistKing testimonials

[WhiteRabbit]

A north window with a "translucent" shade is probably insufficient light. Growing directly in front of an un-shaded north window may be sufficient (I have grown and bloomed a couple of Phals in a north facing window). East or west facing windows are also good. May or may not need some added shading depending on how much sun the window receives.

[tucker85]

I've had both success and failures with phals but one piece of advice that I personally think is universal is to use the smallest pot that the roots will comfortably fit in. Over potting (a pot that's too large) probably kills more phals than any other one factor.