24 hr yellowing leaf & pits on Phal....Newbie needs advice

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Just because the plant's leaves are huge doesn't necessarily mean the root system is large. It is best to actually see just how large the root system really is. You could be surprised by just how small the root system is in comparison to the size of the leaves, particularly if the roots were badly damaged.

It is best to not assume the root system is healthy if there seems to be something ailing the plant.

[aliceinwl]

I just wanted add that this Phal looks a lot better now than it did in the first pictures posted. If from what you can tell, the moisture levels seem okay, just keep doing what you’re doing and wait and see. Phals seem to cope better if you err on the dry side (they won’t be happy but they won’t up and die either). Relative to other plants they do everything slowly. If you see further decline, act quickly once you figure out what’s wrong, but it may be awhile before you see real improvement.

With a few exceptions most of mine that started out in less than great health took around 6 months to start showing really obvious improvement. The first sign that things are turning around is usually when you see them start pushing new roots.

The fact that they’re so slow to respond also gives you the luxury of time. They’re not quick to up and die and will cling tenaciously to life while you figure things out.

[tasha]

Do you recommend using products like super thrive or orchid fertilizer at this time? Or wait until new roots come out?

Thanks for the help!!

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by tasha

Do you recommend using products like super thrive or orchid fertilizer at this time? Or wait until new roots come out?

Thanks for the help!!

Superthrive is of questionable value. Absolutely freshly made from the factory, it may have some benefit, but what you get in the store may have been warehoused months before it got to your store, and on the store shelf for months before you buy. The synthetic auxins in it are unstable and may not be active at all when you buy it. There is a lot of stuff in the product that is not disclosed on the label.

Fertilizer is near the bottom of the list in terms of the things needed to have a healthy orchid. Water in balance with proper drainage and air movement are much more important.

As K.o.O.G. posted, you need to assess the roots. Pull the plant from the pot and look.