Some Phal questions

[Techd]

Hi all,

I bought a Phal last Xmas for my mum, but I kind of took it on to look after it. I didn't know a huge amount about Orchids, but love the beauty of them and astounded at how many varieties there are.

The Phal's been blooming since I got it, so nine months. Its grown one new spike, the middle one, which was growing sideways so I trained it up to go in between the other two.

A couple of days ago the new stem either got knocked or buckled under its own weight and was hanging, not totally broken. As soon as I saw it I tied it just under the break (see photo) and so far it seems ok.

One of the older stems is dying, I've read you can cut it at the base or at one of the nodes for it to maybe bloom again. Would cut at base be best as its been blooming for 9 months?

One of the leaves have split, not sure why this happened, I assume it fine just to leave it?

Also should I trim the dead roots off or should I wait until I re-pot, again not really knowing when to do that.

I water it about once a week and use the baby bio orchid food in every water.

Sorry for all the questions

Thanks

Dan

[WhiteRabbit]

If the roots are good, you can cut the dead part of the spike and see if it may branch from a node - it's a personal decision, really - some people like to cut the spike entirely, others leave them til they are good and dead

I actually, recently, taped a partially broken Phal spike, and it did fine, tho, the spike may have not bloomed as long as it might have without the break.

A good thread for beginners to read (it's a long thread, but reading the first few, to several pages may be helpful) is here The Phal abuse ends here.

[jason45244]

I would cut those spikes all the way back. Some of the roots on the top look "not so great" if they are like paper go ahead and cut them off with sterilized scissors. It's hard to really tell but the media in the photos looks kind of old. Best of luck with your orchid.

[Techd]

Thanks for replies

I decided to cut at the base in the end, and put a bit of cinnamon where I cut. Whilst doing this I noticed a tiny white insect on a bark chipping, literally saw it for a second and it disappeared, I looked closer around the plant and couldn't see any more, cause for concern?

You say the media doesn't look great, how do I know when to change it? I've attached a photo of the roots if that helps.

Thanks

[jason45244]

Those roots look great! If the media smells "musty" or breaks down to the touch, then you should repot. There are various videos on youtube for repotting phals. The best tip I can give for repotting is make sure you get as much old media out as you can and give those roots a good washing.