Phal. Drooping flower and leaves - Orchid Board

peasinapod · #1 03-20-2014, 03:23 PM

Hi everyone,

I am a total newbie concerning orchids. For the last 20 days I had been tasked to look after my mom's plants, as she had been away. Amongst the plants there are 3 phalaenopsis. Two of them, one especially, have not been looking well at all for the last 2 months or so.

They are no-id's from supermarkets etc. Two are placed against a North-West facing window which gets quite a lot of light though, and one is on a table in front of a south-east facing window (healthy looking plant).

1st plant: Droopy, wrinkly leaves and droopy flowers. The flowers have been droopy for quite some time now but aren't wilting.
Furthermore some of the roots seem quite brown and unhealthy looking. The aerial roots look wrinkly as well.
New leaf growth is noticeable.

2nd plant: Tons of leaves, but they look wrinkly, also the roots look brown on some places as well.

The 3rd plant seems quite ok, the leaves feel fuller, the roots look "healthier" and the plant has been growing and flowering like crazy for the last 4 years.

Could anyone help me? I can add more detail if it is needed.

reliablefool · #2 03-20-2014, 03:36 PM

What do they appear to be planted in? Also, if you are a complete newbie when it comes to orchids, then I am guessing you are probably over watering them. The watering schedule depends on what they are planted in and other environmental factors (temp, light, air movement, humidity).

peasinapod · #3 03-20-2014, 03:46 PM

They are planted in what seems to be a bark mix. I water once a week, maximum 1 dl. But maybe I did overdo it a bit.

The temperatures are about 20°C (68 F), I don't know the humidity.

Can I do something to save them?

lotis146 · #4 03-20-2014, 03:51 PM

My experience with wrinkled, droopy leaves (and I'm still relatively new to Orchids but have some experience as I'm trying to save some of mine now) is that the plant is not receiving enough water. As reliablefool was asking, what's it potted in - moss, bark, something else? - and how often have you been watering them? Also the weakest two, is it safe to assume that it is getting a lot of light, even direct light compared to the healthiest one?

I'm sure the more knowledgeable folks on the forum will weigh in until then I'd say gather this information and share so they know more about what's happening. Also it would help to take some pictures.

Hope things turn out well for them (and you).
Lotis

peasinapod · #5 03-20-2014, 03:56 PM

All of the orchids are planted in some kind of bark mix, I don't see moss or other stuff. They get watered once a week max. I'd say that the healthy one gets a tad more light than the "ill" ones.

None of them are new plants, we've had all of them for quite a few years. I'll try to upload pictures right away. the quality won't be that good because I only have my phone at hand, though.

lotis146 · #6 03-20-2014, 04:15 PM

It sounds like maybe they're under-watered. Can you see through the pot to the condition of the "root system"?

peasinapod · #7 03-20-2014, 04:30 PM

Only on the first plant. I can see some greenish roots on the bottom, but the rest is either not really visible, or brownish.

---------- Post added at 08:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------

1st plant:

2nd plant:

3rd plant (healthy?):

reliablefool · #8 03-20-2014, 06:38 PM

1 dL...I'm not really great at metric, but this sounds like too little water. Your frequency sounds right, but generally it is advised that you take an orchid out of its decorative pot (if it has another pot inside) and drench it in the sink by letting water run through, or if you are worried about water getting stuck in the leaves to have a container full of water and to dunk the pot down into it (even letting it soak for 10-15 minutes).

So, my initial guess of over watering may have actually been in the completely opposite direction...they may in fact be under watered. If they have been under watered, do not try to water more frequently (as your schedule sounds appropriate to me at least) but do try to use more water when doing so. Also, the first plant appears as if it may not have any live roots left in the pot, but that is again a best guess based off pictures and what you have said.

peasinapod · #9 03-20-2014, 06:51 PM

Thanks! I'll do just that. Should I leave the strange roots or should I trim them somewhat?

lotis146 · #10 03-21-2014, 07:52 AM

I was waiting to see what the "experts" on this board would say but until they chime in I second that I think you're dealing with under-watering. You might try misting the air roots that are out of the pot as well. I don't think they should be cut though.

I would agree with reliablefool that you shouldn't necessarily increase frequency but increase how much you water. How, how much, do you water as it is? It may be that with that many roots outside of the pot it needs to be repotted in something bigger, but don't take my word for it.

Those are some pretty big plants wow! Lots of leaves. Your mom is definitely doing something right. Have you been able to speak with her about this at all?

Good luck!
Lotis