Healthy Roots, but Drooping Leaves? (Phals)

[alisanoel]

Hi, all!

So, I have had Phals for a few years now, but I am still having trouble understanding them! Recently, I repotted 2 out of my 6 Phals and all of their roots seem extremely happy. New roots sprouting up everywhere! But I am slightly concerned because the leaves are starting to droop and become thin. What could this mean? (This is happening to more than the ones I repotted).

Is it okay to have healthy roots and just okay leaves or is it better to have healthy leaves and just okay roots?

Thank you all in advance!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Sounds like a typical Phal alright - temperamental at times.

Post 4 more arbitrary postings and then you can post up photos.

Putting up photos are best to diagnose the issue.

It might be a relatively easy problem to solve.

[lotis146]

Maybe you've got sweet roots but not sweet watering schedule right now! I know I'm still learning to increase watering during the warm/growing season; I'm starting to feel like all I do is water my Orchids!!!

[RosieC]

I agree, my first thought is underwatering. As the warm weather starts they can take more water.

Of course Philip is right that pictures would help, but that was my thought in the absence of pictures.

Don't water on a fixed schedule. I water when the roots look silvery right down in the bottom of clear pots. Some people use a wooden skewer pushed into the medium and pull it out and see if it's damp.

Also how much water do you give when watering. They like a lot, but then like to drain fully in between so they are not left standing in water except when you are actually watering them.

[alisanoel]

I think I may underwater them! I always hear that you aren't supposed to water them too often (once a week is what I was told) but it has been hot here and the roots are silvery. I usually water them by soaking the pot down in water for 5 minutes and letting them drain fully.

I will try watering them more often and hopefully that works!

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by alisanoel

I think I may underwater them! I always hear that you aren't supposed to water them too often (once a week is what I was told) but it has been hot here and the roots are silvery. I usually water them by soaking the pot down in water for 5 minutes and letting them drain fully.

I will try watering them more often and hopefully that works!

That watering schedule might be fine if you live in North Carolina, for example, but may not be enough if you live in Arizona or Colorado. It's a humidity thing. Water often enough that the growing medium is almost (but not completely) dry before you water again.

The way you water (good soak for 5 minutes & drain) sounds very good.

[alisanoel]

I live in Southern California so it isn't really very humid, I noticed that the problem started occurring after a heat wave. Thanks for all the help!