Things I have learned as a newbie and the effects of underwatering

[quiltergal]

Very well reported. Like you I use pot weight to tell me when a plant needs watering. It does take time to learn though. I think your suggestion of lifting each pot every day is a great idea for beginners. That's really the only way to learn what it feels like.

[Lilac]

Originally Posted by SHag42

Lilac I could not agree with you more. My dens do fine and catt's are ok but phals seem to be a nightmare. The only reason I can figure they say that phals are a beginner plant is because if you can make these puppies grow you will then have all the basics down pat. I have found that phaps are easy for me at least better than the phals. I also believe the moisture needs for phals runs on a very fine line between over and under. Kinda like crazy and genius. Good luck with the phals I will cross my fingers and toes for you also.

LOL! Thanks! I need all the luck I can get. But you said something important. Phals do have a fine line between watering and drying. I'm just beginning to see that now. Hopefully I will see them spike at some point in time !

[Kailyn]

Pretty sure I made the same mistake with my Catt seedlings I was so paranoid after over watering I under watered and lost my roots that way. They are on the road to recovery now.

[SHag42]

Originally Posted by Kailyn

Pretty sure I made the same mistake with my Catt seedlings I was so paranoid after over watering I under watered and lost my roots that way. They are on the road to recovery now.

Seedlings are very needy and not as forgiving as older plants. I wrote this because I felt that under watering is
less talked about that overwatering.
I am glad you babies are back on track. Great job that must of taken some patience. With lots of love and care.

---------- Post added at 09:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:03 PM ----------

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Very well reported. Like you I use pot weight to tell me when a plant needs watering. It does take time to learn though. I think your suggestion of lifting each pot every day is a great idea for beginners. That's really the only way to learn what it feels like.

Thank You quiltergal, it does indeed take time. I have done it enough now that I can feel very subtle differences. And I have to ask Do you like to quilt? I do although it has been awhile since a made one.

[quiltergal]

I do like to quilt, and it is a hobby I am more passionate about than orchid growing. I've been quilting since 1993. Haven't lost interest yet.

[SHag42]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

I do like to quilt, and it is a hobby I am more passionate about than orchid growing. I've been quilting since 1993. Haven't lost interest yet.

Nice to meet a fellow quilter. Glad you haven't lost interest. Would love to see some of your quilts.

[quiltergal]

Here is a link to my Photobucket album. Password is quilts.

Quilts Photos by quiltergal | Photobucket

[Optimist]

Strangely, I do not have the same mother hen mentality towards my succulents (I have a lot of non-orchid plants too).

[tryingtoflower]

Every new orchid grower needs to read this post. Great information. I struggle with overdoing everything. I guess I'm not alone.

[Lilac]

Thank you! I have been having those same issues with my phals. The dends and catts are fine, but the phals, are another story. Here I thought that they would be the easiest, since they required, or so I though,t less light. But I have mounted, dismounted, potted, and finally wood basketed. I have brought them to light, brought them to dimmer conditions, and They were more or less at a standstill. I finally put more sphagnum moss on top and this seems to have helped with some root development. I am currently watching and observing with all my fingers crossed! Thanks for the tips!