Is this phalaenopsis healthy?

[Bulbopedilum]

I just got this from err... a friend of mine. Does this look healthy? It looks like a fimbriata or floresensis complex hybrid maybe (The "mother" plant was flowering). It's like a fimbriata or floresensis except it has some little stripes at the bottom left and right petals and has a little fuzz at the lip.

---------- Post added at 11:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:02 AM ----------

Heres a pic

[estación seca]

It's been banged up a lot. I suspect it hasn't been repotted in a while. I would repot to a pot about half that size, with fresh medium.

[Bulbopedilum]

Half the size? How would I fit it into the pot you speak of?

[PaphMadMan]

I agree the plant appears healthy, though it has been through some rough treatment, assuming the blackened areas are all dry not soft and squishy. Still, watch any damaged areas carefully for a while to see if they spread.

I also agree the plant should probably be repotted, and probably to a somewhat smaller pot, but that will depend on your media of choice and watering frequency, and the extent of the active healthy roots. Choose a pot that is just big enough to accommodate the existing roots. Later, when the plant is healthy and vigorous you can over-pot a bit, again depending on your media and watering.

[estación seca]

The roots don't seem to be nearly filling the current pot. If you live in a wet, humid climate it will be easier to keep it from staying too wet in a pot just big enough to hold the healthy roots.

[bil]

Well, I'm The Big Pot guy.

I'd put it in a bigger diameter pot, but wayyyyy shallower. 3 inches deep, maybe. Plus as that root looks thin, I'd put it in fine bark that has been sieved to remove all dust.

In pure clean bark, in a shallow pot, it is impossible to overwater.

[estación seca]

I wouldn't pot a Phal in fine bark in a humid climate.

[jkofferdahl]

First, I agree with all who say that the Phal looks healthy, though it's seen hard days. The black spots appear to be dry, and the result of physical damage.

It appears to be potted in a loamy, soil-like medium. As others have said, this is a plant which is begging to be repotted. Surprisingly, because 99% of the time I do agree with him, in this case I'm going to recommend a different approach from Bil. I agree with the use of the shallowest pot possible but I'm also with those who recommend a smaller diameter. Further, given the humidity where you live I believe the roots will long for air and so would suggest using large chunks of bark.

I'd even take it one step further. Given your location, and the naturally Phal-friendly environment, this is a plant which would likely thrive on a mount. Yes, mounting it will mean having to closely monitor the plant's water needs, but I think it would very quickly and happily adapt (revert?) to growing as a mounted plant.

[Bulbopedilum]

Ok I mounted it on my wax apple tree. It's the only tree that receives enough light for a phal. My other tree (starfruit) is more suitable for a lower light orchid. I will post a pic when my phone is done charging.

[Bulbopedilum]

Here's what I did lol!! Phals actually grow naturaly up there in mount merapi (Pretty sure). What do you think?


oh also I'm planning to put a chiloschista on that tree too.