Help with possibly sick orchid

[AEKass]

Hi Everyone:

I am hoping to get some advice about my orchid that I think is in trouble. I turned to this forum once before and the advice was very helpful.

I have had this orchid for several years and it never generated a new spike until now. It recently started blooming, but I noticed that while it generated a new spike and flowers the older leaves have gone limp and are changing colors. The newer leaves are somewhat firm. As you can see in pictures (apologies for the incorrect orientation of them) the orchid is growing some what odd and nearly all of the roots are on the surface. I checked all roots last night and the two non-surface roots were a very light green. I have not changed my watering schedule (I water about every five days) or moved the plant recently. I suspect that I am underwatering it, but was hoping to get advice before changing anything. I am also concerned that if I increase the watering I'll overwater the non-surface roots.

Appreciate any advice!

[Roberta]

If the oldest leaves are starting to go, it's force of nature. As long as the newer leaves are firm, the plant is fine. In time, the plant does shed the oldest leaves, that's normal.

[AEKass]

Thanks for the reply Roberta. Is this how leaves typically look when the shed? I was just concerned because it seemed like all of a sudden about half the leaves (all of the older ones) became limp, wrinkled, and began to shed.

[Roberta]

That's what they do. When they turn yellow, then they tend to neatly separate from the plant (cleanly break off almost as though there were a perforation) If it's more than 2 rows of leaves might be a concern, but as long as you're getting strong new growth in the middle, and new roots, it should be fine. So you'll want to keep an eye on it, but I don't think that it is necessarily a problem.

[jkofferdahl]

I would agree with Roberta IF it just lost one leaf, or IF the leaves weren't wrinkling the way they are before shedding. The wrinkling is a clue to a deeper issue than normal leaf loss, and I think my suspicions are verified by the appearance of the very dried roots visible in Pic #5. The aereal roots, by the way, are quite natural but seem to be showing signs of low humidity. (Yes, I see that you're using a humidity tray but you should know that a humidity contributes virtually 0% to room humidity.)

A lot of things can cause this. I think low humidity is involved, which could be from as simple an issue as running a furnace. Additionally, Phalaenopsis orchids don't particularly do well with watering schedules. Instead, they want to be watered when they're ready for water. The growth medium should JUST reach dry before a watering. You can use a cooking food skewer inserted into the pot like a dipstick; pull it out after about 15 minutes and if you feel ANY moisture on it don't water.

[AEKass]

Thanks jkofferdahl! That is helpful advice for checking if it needs watering. How can I improve the humidity? Would misting it often help?

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[Salixx]

Misting is only a short-term solution to a long term problem and can sometimes cause more problems than help in terms of rot if the water pools or doesn't dry fast enough. If it dried too fast, then your plants don't benefit from it for very long.

I would purchase a home hygrometer (I got mine that reads humidity and temp for a 12hr period at Walmart for $8). I would put it on the same table with your Phals. Once you know your humidity, you can tackle it better. If it's not that bad, you know you need to start watering more and may avoid having to do anything all together.

If you need to raise humidity, a humidifier is usually your best option, just make sure you get one of appropriate size for the space you are working with. If your humidity is low, you might also end up appreciating a more humid environment! It doesn't have to be crazy either, 35-45% would likely be just fine.

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[AEKass]

Thanks for that suggestion Salixx! We had one already and the humidity in our house is low (22%). I moved it next to the orchids though so I can measure more accurately.

Nothing has changed in our household though so I assume we've always had low humidity. The weather has changed--more sun, longer sunlight. I've had this orchid for about four years, so I'm surprised this has become an issue. Any recommendations for a humidifier?

[jkofferdahl]

I use ultrasonic humidifiers. Any brand will do. If you use one, also place a small fan near the plants to loft the air.

[AEKass]

I am thinking of going with this humidifier, Air Innovations 1.7 Gallon Clean Mist Smart Humidifier - Bed Bath & Beyond, because it rotates.

Thanks for all your suggestions!