Is my Phal dying? Air roots are shriveled and dry

[ravenmoon]

I haven't had any negative side effects from using ice cubes. I think the whole reason on using ice cubes is because of its evaporation process, because not only is it lightly watering it but it causes humidity at the same time. Thus, killing two birds with one stone.

[bil]

For me, I spend so much time and effort keeping them out of the cold, that putting ice water on roots seems a tad excessive.

[MamaLiberty]

I carefully use tepid water on my orchids, as close to room temperature as I can get. Seems less likely to shock the plant and roots. If more humidity is needed, misting or tubs of water standing in the room work much better.

I soak the plant for at least 20 - 30 minutes, then allow it to drain completely. If I find the humidity seriously low, I can soak a towel in hot water and hang it up to dry in the room too. Works like a charm.

I watch the plants daily all during the week and water those that demonstrate the need, since they are of different sizes, have different kinds of pots and different "soil" - so need different things. And I'm just learning that different kinds of orchids need different moisture levels too.

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[ravenmoon]

If I find the humidity seriously low, I can soak a towel in hot water and hang it up to dry in the room too. Works like a charm.*

You hang the towel up anywhere? In that case, since I have my plans in the kitchen, can't I just boil a pot of water? Just curious. That's a good idea tho! When I move I'm going to have to keep this in mind. Thanks!

[MamaLiberty]

Originally Posted by ravenmoon

You hang the towel up anywhere? In that case, since I have my plans in the kitchen, can't I just boil a pot of water? Just curious. That's a good idea tho! When I move I'm going to have to keep this in mind. Thanks!

Well sure, you can boil water. I do that often in the main room, just by leaving a pot of water on the wood stove. In the bathroom where my orchids live, the towel is just a good way to increase the humidity quickly. Hot water on the towel works fastest, but any wet towel will do the job eventually. I also hang wet towels in my bedroom at night sometimes when the humidity is very low to avoid dry throat and cough while I sleep.

It is very dry here in winter, and especially with the wood stove. It's a real challenge sometimes, quite aside from the orchids! Humidity in the orchid room is now 50%, but in the main room by the kitchen it is only 19%. Don't have a wood fire today since it is not cold enough, so I need to get a pot of water bubbling on the regular stove. I have 45 plants altogether, all over the house, and water them all faithfully. Can't imagine how low the humidity would get if I didn't have them.