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

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by acaldwell3590

My next thought was to get these guys a humidity tray of sorts just to maybe make them a bit happier.

Humidity trays are pretty much useless. I use them to catch water run-off, but not to raise humidity.

[acaldwell3590]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

Humidity trays are pretty much useless. I use them to catch water run-off, but not to raise humidity.

Good to know! Everyone and their mother seem to think this is the way to go. So you mentioned misting, I'm ok to just mist the whole plant? Everyone has me SUPER paranoid about leaving any kind of water on my plant and getting crown rot.

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[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.

[bil]

Originally Posted by acaldwell3590

Good to know! Everyone and their mother seem to think this is the way to go. So you mentioned misting, I'm ok to just mist the whole plant? Everyone has me SUPER paranoid about leaving any kind of water on my plant and getting crown rot.

Don't sweat it.

I have yet to kill a phal from crown rot, even tho at every watering for over two years I have washed the leaves down and fill the crown with water out of spite. (It drains out in seconds).
What will give it crown rot, is too much heat or cold. Possibly too cold water to water it will do it, but wetting the crown? No way. I always advise morning watering with ambient temp water.

Mind you, any other type of orchid? Always water the media, not the plant, or you will risk killing them thru fungal attack.

[Dollythehun]

Well, Amazon ( or Walmart) has small fans and small humidifiers...Which can be tastefully arranged...Since you are bringing beauty to your office space...And the humidity is good for your skin, too. ( A girl's perspective). I agree about the humidity tray, however, you are going to want to prevent drips. With an attractive tray underneath you could have a little "zen" area. (The experts are now cringing at my suggestions).🤓lol Try to have some fun with this setup!

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Well, Amazon ( or Walmart) has small fans and small humidifiers...Which can be tastefully arranged...Since you are bringing beauty to your office space...And the humidity is good for your skin, too. ( A girl's perspective). I agree about the humidity tray, however, you are going to want to prevent drips. With an attractive tray underneath you could have a little "zen" area. (The experts are now cringing at my suggestions).🤓lol Try to have some fun with this setup!

Carol, I'm not sure what qualifies as a "zen area", but since I'm not an "expert" by any stretch of the imagination I consider both of my grow areas to be my personal zen areas! Rather than cringing, I embrace the idea! I have an old chair on which I sit in my plant room, and while doing so I often find myself working through whatever's on my mind. From it I can sit and enjoy looking at the flowers, but I enjoy as much looking at the plants not in bloom, especially the minis. I have to stand to get close to the plants in the kitchen window yet can become completely lost in them. I hope that's OK.