Can this orchid be saved?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Ray

OC - If I recall correctly (questionable, especially with increasing age), the red end favors growth, blue favors flowering. However, it is not a good idea to enhance only one, as the plants need both to grow strong and healthy, and that's what gives us the best blooming.

Sorry Ray, that's backwards. The red end encourages flowering and blue end vegetative growth. That said, I haven't seen the need to do this (ie a real benefit). I like to provide constant 5000K light where possible. Temperature seems to have more to do with it for me.

[Ray]

Thanks for correcting me, Ross.

See! I told you not to trust that at face value!

[ocpaul]

Originally Posted by Neverend

It looks alright.. but maybe you should take a clearer photo , just so we can spot any diseases or pests.

Attached are a few more photos - not the best quality since I am taking with my cell phone. Hope these help.

OC

[Ross]

Not real clear photos, but my best guess is rot in the roots or extremely dry roots (lack of water)

[ocpaul]

Originally Posted by Ross

Not real clear photos, but my best guess is rot in the roots or extremely dry roots (lack of water)

Sorry about the photos, but as I said was taking with my cell phone.

I think the roots are just dry - we have tried not to overwater and by doing so may have kept a bit too dry.

Questions:

1. One of the posters suggested that there should be additional growing media. Should the roots be completely covered, covered halfway, or media just to the bottom of the horizontal portions of the roots/

2. What type of growing media should be used? Is commercially available "potting soil" OK or should we use something else.

3. Should this plant be repotted?

Thanks for all the help.

OC

[quiltergal]

If this were my plant I would probably repot it. Since most orchids are epiphytic (live up in trees) you will want to use either commercially prepared orchid bark (not potting soil) or you can mix your own components. I use coco husk chunks, perlite and charcoal. The bark must be soaked in water for at least 24 hours prior to use. This helps expand the cellular stucture of the bark allowing it to retain more moisture. Phals, like yours, naturally send out aerial roots. It's trying to anchor itself to something solid like it does in nature. It's OK to leave those out of the pot if you want, but it doesn't hurt to plant them under the bark either. Your choice. When you take your plant out of it's existing pot gently remove all of the old media and check for any root rot. If you see any brown mushy roots cut them off with a pair of sterile scissors and seal the cut with cinnamon. Yours looks pretty thirsty. I might lay the plant bare rooted in a bowl of room temp water an let it soak for about 20 minutes. It will also help limber up those roots and make them a little easier to rearrange in your new pot. I'd go up about an inch in pot size. I find my big phals grow quickly and you don't want to constantly be repotting.

Once you get it repotted make sure it's getting adequate light. Phals don't need a lot but I find mine do much better in a little brighter than what's normally recommended. They are in a south facing window with blinds and T5 fluoros. Feeding regularly is also important. Ray recommends 125ppm N at every watering. I've been following that routine for about 6 months and have noticed a marked improvement in all of my plants. If you're not sure when to water try using clear plastic pots. You can see the roots and the condensation on the inside of the pot. You can also stick a bamboo skewer down in the media and leave for a few minutes. Pull it out and touch it to your wrist or cheek. If it feels cool, wait a day to water.

[ocpaul]

Thanks for all of the information quiltergal - you've given me a clear plan to follow - now all I have to do is give it a try and see what happens.

OC

[Neverend]

I think it looks too dry, from my view there aren't any pest damage, but do look out under the leaf.

I think quiltergal just said all I wanted to :P

[orchidexpress]

as Ray states above, you want a grow light that has a red-blue spectrum. Most of us in the United States can rebloom a phal from the windows depending on how north you are. I'm in Texas. Where are you?