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

[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!

[No-Pro-mwa]

Loved the read. I to am an under waterier, I did have some success then I would get busy and not take good care of them. Then they would die.

Also I was scared to re-pot so I lost several orchids to this. Then I finally decided I was tired of losing them and wanted to save the ones I did have left, so I re-potted them then I found this board.

Actually I went looking for a forum to get help and I did find it. This forum has been so very helpful to me. Most of my phals are spiking....wa hoooooo....now if I can once again grow Catt's and on to new types.

[SHag42]

Polarizeme,

Yes you could call it a little over-kill.
Too much pampering and not enough time out.
Had the same problem with my son but he turned out just fine in the end. I am glad that you enjoyed the read. I think that when we first start out we just want so badly to do it right we can do more damage that rightness. Thanks for your reply.

---------- Post added at 08:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:32 PM ----------

Originally Posted by tryingtoflower

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

Nope you sure aren't but hang in there it is worth it in the end. Talk about overdoing it, I have no idea how I ended up with so many orchids. I must have been blinded by their beauty or they followed me home when I wasn't looking.

---------- Post added at 08:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:38 PM ----------

Originally Posted by No-Pro-mwa

Loved the read.
Actually I went looking for a forum to get help and I did find it. This forum has been so very helpful to me. Most of my phals are spiking....wa hoooooo....now if I can once again grow Catt's and on to new types.

Yeah! I love a happy ending. Good luck with the Catt's. My next project will be how to get my oncidums to stop wrinkling up and show me some of those funky blooms.

---------- Post added at 08:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:43 PM ----------

Originally Posted by 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!

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.

[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.

[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.

[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 !

[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.