Phalaenopsis Question. Returning to orchids. - Orchid Board

collectorinfl · #1 10-23-2017, 02:10 AM

I purchased a plant at Walmart here in Kissimmee back in May. I picked out the plant that looked the most healthy. It had 8 leaves and 3 bloom stalks. It held it's blooms until mid-August and since then has been SHOOTING out leaves. It's up to 20 leaves, one of which is still small and growing. Is this normal for them to grow so fast? It has me a bit worried.

Just recently I noticed it's growing new sections on it's roots. I'm going to have to repot it soon as it's getting VERY top heavy. It's in basically bark pieces and I want to put it in more of the same as I'm guessing all the growth means it's happy. Any sugestions on where to buy this type of media? What material pot should I get for it? is a clay pot ok for them?

I know I've rapid fired many questions but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Blair

Roberta · #2 10-23-2017, 02:37 AM

As long as it is well drained, a clay pot is fine, and may be advantageous because of its weight (helps to manage a top-heavy plant). You should be able to get orchid bark in various sizes at a well-equipped nursery (what comes from big-box stores like Home Depot tends to be not so good) Fairly large (1/2 inch or bigger) is excellent for Phalaenopsis, which likes moist air around its roots (not soggy) It sounds like you have a very happy plant.

collectorinfl · #3 10-23-2017, 02:42 AM

Thank you Roberta. Is there a source online you would recommend for the bark?

Roberta · #4 10-23-2017, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by collectorinfl

Thank you Roberta. Is there a source online you would recommend for the bark?

You're in Florida, right? I have dealt with Green Barn Orchid Supply greenbarnorchid.com (I like their wood baskets enough to pay for shipping across the country... bark I get locally) You also might Google orchid nurseries near you... since bark is heavy, shipping is costly. If you can find it within an hour or so from where you live, the gas is a lot cheaper than shipping. Of brands, Rexius is good... they heat-treat it to help durability. Orchiata is excellent, but pricey... Actually, you should be fine with a more generic bark... you just want big chunks, not a product that has been "amended" with other stuff that tends to stay too wet. Some other members of the forum may weigh in on this... knowing your location would be quite helpful. Some folks have also had good results from completely inorganic media... see what others suggest.

Also, if there is a major orchid show near you, there's usually a "supplies" vendor

collectorinfl · #5 10-23-2017, 02:58 AM

Thank you and yes I live in Kissimmee, FL.

reptilegrrl · #6 10-23-2017, 03:33 AM

That sounds like a very healthy phal, please post some pics! I would love to have one with so many leaves.

I've read that warmth and humidity encourage leafy growth.

collectorinfl · #7 10-23-2017, 04:01 AM

I water is only once a week at most, but I mist it regularly with a LITTLE bit of miracle grow in the water. The water I use to water it is caught from rain not tap water... not sure if this makes a difference.

collectorinfl · #8 10-23-2017, 04:03 AM

oh and here's a photo. You can see the newest small leaf growing there at the top. I had to tie it to the stake because it is so top heavy it kept falling over.

SaraJean · #9 10-23-2017, 11:17 AM

Very nice looking Phal! The advice above is good, larger chunky bark is a safe bet with phals. Just be aware that you might have to water it a bit more, maybe twice a week, but an airy media will help keep this thing happy. Better to have a media that dries faster, and is more airy, than have a soggy pot. keep an eye on it and look for signs of dehydration like wrinkled leaves and shriveled roots.

What sort of light are you giving it? The foliage looks a little dark, but that could just be the picture. Some of my phals are that color no matter how much light I give them, but others are a few shades lighter. Again though, that is a beautiful plant!

bil · #10 10-23-2017, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by collectorinfl

oh and here's a photo. You can see the newest small leaf growing there at the top. I had to tie it to the stake because it is so top heavy it kept falling over.

Phals are big plants, and small pots do them no favours. I would pot that up in coarse, sieved bark in something much bigger, but not too deep. Say a bulb pan? Mine are 14 inches in diam, and 6 inches deep.