These mini Phals do not give up

[Skycat]

I've had these two in intensive care for several months now (like, the better part of a year) due to root problems. Gotta really stay on top of keeping these hydrated; sometimes I forget, but I have to be careful to avoid mold, too.

Here is their current progress.



This one's been a pretty hard worker this whole time.



The second one, when I got it, was already nearly dead and only had like one or two roots left. It grew a new root not long afterward, but has had no further growth and eventually lost all but one leaf, and the aerial root dried up. Seemed like it was just going to sit there and die very slowly. But wait!



Another leaf! I guess this one finally remembered it's still alive!

Gonna be a long time before I get more flowers out of these guys, but I've already kept them going this long, and I already know their flowers are beautiful.

[bil]

I bought three of these last year. They were rammed into what looked like eggcups with their roots in solid Shaghnum moss.

I took the chance and repotted them instantly, and luckily didn't lose any flowers.

I left them a small bit of Sphag round the roots, for fear of causing damage, but put them in fir bark, and watered them twice a week in full summer They immediately started to throw out leaves and have all spiked.

Personally I don't like the tiny pots orchids come in, I think that they are cramped and I never buy one without finding root damage where they have forced their way thru the drainage holes.

You might like to try what I did with one, and see if you get better results. I fertilise very weakly, every watering as I feel that regime is more beneficial.

Good luck with them.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Yes, it takes a long time for them to come back.

[bil]

This is what two of my min phals look like on that regime. When I bought them last spring/summer they only had a couple of leaves, but I think they are looking a lot better.