Phal, Wedding Promenade with leaves drooping

[Sandy4453]

Originally Posted by Maree

Styrofoam is better than a layer of bark? I have a few cubes of styrofoam, can I cut them up and use them?

Maree, line the bottom of the pot with the styrofoam peanuts and bark from that point, up! The styrofoam allows excess draining and water to escape so to prevent the plant from sitting in too much water. It makes a huge difference so if you've got the peanuts, use them!

[Ray]

It seems apparent that the plant is stressed by being repotted and not getting enough water.

Insufficient water = low internal osmotic pressure = droops.

The soaking advice is good. Personally, I use the sink sprayer when plants are i9n the house, and adjust it to tepid temperature, soak the medium thoroughly, wait 30 minutes and repeat it. Each soaking is probably a 5-minute continuous spray over the whole surface.

[Maree]

Just to clarify... I'm soaking new bark not the orchid and bark it's currently in... right? The pot I'm using has the holes in the sides for drainage. You don't think by using the styrofoam I'll get too much drainage and drying out in the direct light do you? Again many thanks

[Maree]

Ray - I'm from York PA, below Harrisburg

[Ray]

Nope, Maree. You need to soak the pot/medium/roots, as-is.

Re-, repotting does nothing but re-aggravate the issue.

Up here in PA (I'm in Bucks County), straight bark is not the best for in-home culture of phals, but is "doable", if you saturate the medium, then water frequently enough.

[IdahoOrchid]

Changed my mind and will start a new thread.

[Maree]

I now have 4 buds starting to grow, I would think that's a good sign.