Phalaenopsis hybrid yellow and fallen bottom leaves, black spots on top leaves

[keishiakei]

I got this flower from my mother in law a couple weeks ago. It said “phalaenopsis hyb” on the wrapping paper so hopefully I’m in the right section.

I’m a complete beginner at this. I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing but I’m willing to learn. I live in Norway where it’s cold and cloudy most of the time, with >85% humidity during the autumn.

She sits by the window with direct sunlight, all 6 hours of it we get up here. I water her irregularly, but never go more than 3 days without a little spray of water. Late last week I noticed her roots were drying so I gave her a lot of water until the pot is half soaked (which I realised now was a grave mistake).

I drained the water soon after I realised that the bottom leaves were turning yellow but I’m afraid it’s already too late. Now she even has black spots on the top leaf. What can I do to fix her?

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

First, it doesn't look too bad. Phals are shade plants. They don't ever need sun on the leaves. You are so far north it probably wasn't damaged badly.

The roots I can see don't look bad. They normally turn green when wet, and silvery when dry. Phals are epiphytes, accustomed to living on trees with roots exposed. They need a lot of air at the roots. Water, then let the roots become almost dry before watering again. When you water you should thoroughly wet everything in the pot, not splash a small amount of water.

Phals prefer warm temperatures. What are your day/night temperatures?

There is a thread here where you can learn about growing Phals. From the left yellow menu select Forums then Beginners. Near the top select the sticky thread The Phal abuse ends here. Read a few messages to get the idea.

[Ray]

First, welcome to the Orchid Board.

The number 1 factor to understand for successful orchid growing is realizing that, unlike terrestrial plants, these epiphytes do much of their gas exchange processes through their roots, so that requires making sure the pot and potting mix deliver plenty of both water and air.