Phal - issues with fertilizer, pots, and environment, mainly - just issues...

[acaldwell3590]

Originally Posted by Optimist

In this office building, do they always keep the lights on? Orchids need definite dark/light periods. They have a specialized photosynthetic system, and are not like "normal" plants. They also need cooler nights, (62-65) and your "day temps" sound okay, but between 70 and 80F is ideal. Since 70 is the low end, they might think it is winter. Most flower only once a year, the bloom lasting up to 4-6 months. Often after stress or sometimes re-potting, they will not flower that year. Those pots are lovely-- if you water in a green house. When you water, you need to drench and have it flow out. You may need to water over a bucket. When the roots start poking out, and you need a re-pot, you will most likely have to chose between breaking the pot, and good roots.

Thank you for the input. They do turn the lights out except for the few runner lights for when people first come in early in the morning. And about the pots - I'm not overly attached I'd be OK breaking them

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

[bil]

As said, everyone has their own way.

I like to repot immediately on purchase. I have little faith that they will be properly potted.

I pot them up in coarse bark (2") that has been sieved to remove the fine stuff, and I use a wide, shallow pot. (Remember if you use coarse bark you cannot overpot.
I don't soak it but pot it dry and leave for 2 days to let any breakages heal.

When I water I use RO water with the bare minimum of fertiliser in every watering (Go to 'first Ray's ' page and read all the fertiliser stuff). Basically fertiliser is the least of your worries (unless you use to much), and frankly almost any fertiliser will do as long as it is a very weak solution.

I spray the media till water runs out the bottom. I do that once a week in winter, three times in summer.

[Dollythehun]

Another thought, after seeing your picture, is that there are very attractive plant lights available. I see from your location that winters can be dreary and you may want to suppliment. You can clip one to your cube or they are free standing, as your plants do look a little dark green ( in my opinion). A quick search on Amazon will turn up lots. (And thanks for doing the Walk). Also, to up the humidity, you can add a low light leafy plant, like a pothos, which will give off some moisture (although Phals aren't very fussy).

[Dollythehun]

As you gain experience, you will pick up the tips and as you look at the pictures people post, you will see what the optimum is. That's why it's ok to get so much different input. I recently was given a new orchid...And it took me waaaay out of my comfort zone. But, by extracting a piece from each post, I am more confident.

[Ray]

Do not mist the plant!

What you're attempting to do is raise the humidity, not wet the plant. Not only does wetting the plant defeat that purpose, it can provide a great way to develop infections, as you already recognize.

If you're up for a little nerdiness, and want to understand what's going on in this regard, READ THIS.

[acaldwell3590]

Originally Posted by Ray

Do not mist the plant!

What you're attempting to do is raise the humidity, not wet the plant. Not only does wetting the plant defeat that purpose, it can provide a great way to develop infections, as you already recognize.

Thanks so much! I'm always up for some nerdiness! So what I've currently been doing for humidity (as of this week seeing as I was wildly ignorant previously) is I have a humidifier on my desk. Not blowing onto my orchids but near them. Is this the better option for them than either of the 2? It seems to be from what you've said but the more input and understanding I can gain the better!

Thank you!

[jkofferdahl]

I agree 100% with Ray that you mist the air and not spray the plant. I wasn't very specific, sorry.

I use humidifiers. In the room where most plants are under lights I use an ultrasonic, while in the kitchen window area, where it's a bit cooler, I use a warm-air unit. In both cases the output doesn't go directly to the plants, but, like a mister, to the air. I don't know how much it matters to your plants and how they're sitting, but it's also important, as you raise humidity, to raise air movement. Phals really like air movement, while still air can be a breeding "ground" for bacteria and fungi.

[acaldwell3590]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

I agree 100% with Ray that you mist the air and not spray the plant. I wasn't very specific, sorry.

I use humidifiers. In the room where most plants are under lights I use an ultrasonic, while in the kitchen window area, where it's a bit cooler, I use a warm-air unit. In both cases the output doesn't go directly to the plants, but, like a mister, to the air. I don't know how much it matters to your plants and how they're sitting, but it's also important, as you raise humidity, to raise air movement. Phals really like air movement, while still air can be a breeding "ground" for bacteria and fungi.

Ok, so that's just a dummy me moment. Thank you for having patience and answering my ridiculous questions. While sometimes they sound stupid it has helped me quite a bit!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

[jkofferdahl]

I've been a reference librarian for close to 30 years and have yet to hear a "stupid" question. Asking ALWAYS means you're trying.