Problem with Phal

[alligator1]

A friend just gave me an a Phal from a florist. The flowers look fine but the leaves are all "bumpy" and drooping. It is just a regular phal (no name tage . Does anyone know what could cause these bumps. Would it be cold/heat damage, poor growing conditions?

[kiki-do]

The best way to get help would be to post pictures of the phal. Droopy leaves are a signal that something is not right. What is the plant medium? Have you checked the roots? I had one with droopy leaves and when I checked the roots, almost all of them were rotted. It could also mean the medium is broken down. Pictures are the way to get an answer on the "bumpy" question. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

[quiltingwacko]

If it is in a clear pot, it will be easy to see the roots. If not you need to be able to see the roots so a partial removal from the pot will be necessary. Posting a picture would be most helpful for those of us trying to help you. The most common mistakes with Phals are overwatering or underwatering. Most people overwater and then the roots and planting medium rot. I, on the other hand, used to kill them by not watering enough. I like to be different. The roots should have some green color if it is getting enough water. If it is not, they will appear white, gray or beige. The leaves should be thick glossy and plump. If they are shriveled, there is a problem alright. Does the planting medium look like bark, coconut husk, or something else? Moss is sometimes used and it holds moisture very well. Rot occurs if watered more than it needs. I have phals planted in all those things and water the moss more carefully because of that. I still sometimes underwater because I am so afraid of rot! My poor phals. I have blathered on long enough. Hope this helps you. Carol

[alligator1]

Thanks for your help. I was worried so I took it back to the florist that the gift came from and picked a healthy looking paph. I (nicely)told the florist that something was wrong with the phal either poor growing conditions, too much heat or cold or overwatering as it should not have the foilage like that. They could have cared less and put it right back out to sell. That is sad as when someone gets this it will probably die then they will think orchids are too hard to grow and they really are not!

[Ross]

I think the comment regarding clear pots should be taken very seriously. Since switching most of my plants (Phals included) to clear pots, I have noticed a dramatic improvement in root quality. Phal roots in nature will photosynthesize (act like leaves) and they will do this in clear pots. I keep mine in full sun in a south-facing window and they love that. I never water till the beads of moisture dry out and the roots turn back to white with green tips.

[snow]

i agree with ross. my orchid growing has dramatically improved since switching to clear pots; since it takes all the guessing out of watering.
you can actually observe the roots , and how well they are doing.

[Dorothy]

Originally Posted by alligator1

Thanks for your help. I was worried so I took it back to the florist that the gift came from and picked a healthy looking paph. I (nicely)told the florist that something was wrong with the phal either poor growing conditions, too much heat or cold or overwatering as it should not have the foilage like that. They could have cared less and put it right back out to sell. That is sad as when someone gets this it will probably die then they will think orchids are too hard to grow and they really are not!

Maybe you can go back and buy it for half the price .. ..
Bring it home, pull it out of the pot, check the roots removing any dead, black mushy roots and repot it in fresh medium. It would be a great experience in learning more about growing phals