I need help and cant mess this one up.

[kindrag23]

This is actually my aunts anniversary gift from my uncle. She is in love with it and I dont wont to make it mad. So fantastic GIANT NOID phal. Ice cube orchid def. Has bud blast sits south east window(I think) morning sun no late evening sun.

Its got great roots, some rotting roots, roots coming out of pot needs repotting I think. Its in a clear pot sitting in a plastic decorative pot. The plant is so big its leaves are being torn up by decorative pot. Any and all suggestions will be welcome, im still working on perfecting my phal growth skills. She also most likely wont come on here to read the sticky.

Thanks!

[Bud]

flowers wither and die....there is nothing you can do about it=part of the cycle....the plant is ok....the roots are good....it needs repotting and some dead roots to be cut when all the flowers go....the leaves just needs cleaning with soap and water and they will shine again....maybe in four months it will spike and bloom again

[kindrag23]

Thanks. I told her the bud blast was caused by the change in temps and her watering w ice cubes. I will be repotting in better gro phal mix its what ibhave on hand. Into a bigger pots with much more holes. Thanks will the south east window be okay? Or should I move it to the southern window in her kitchen?

[RandomGemini]

Lots of people water these plants with ice cubes for years and they thrive and rebloom. Me, personally, I think it's a dumb idea, but for some of their plants, it does work.

I think the south east window should be fine, as long as it doesn't get direct sunlight. You could move it to the south window too, but you might need to acclimate it to the lighting there.

The bark mix sounds fine.

Usually, these don't need to be repotted into bigger pots when you buy them. They can stay in the same pot for a year, just change out the medium and take a lighter to the pot it's in to add a few more air holes, then next year, put it in a bigger pot.

[kindrag23]

Originally Posted by RandomGemini

Lots of people water these plants with ice cubes for years and they thrive and rebloom. Me, personally, I think it's a dumb idea, but for some of their plants, it does work.

I think the south east window should be fine, as long as it doesn't get direct sunlight. You could move it to the south window too, but you might need to acclimate it to the lighting there.

The bark mix sounds fine.

Usually, these don't need to be repotted into bigger pots when you buy them. They can stay in the same pot for a year, just change out the medium and take a lighter to the pot it's in to add a few more air holes, then next year, put it in a bigger pot.

Thanks RG. I will look into a better pot the roots are coming out of the bottom so I will need to cut it out. And repot it to also make it more stable against her cat who is a known wild boy with a penchant for mischief.

[RandomGemini]

My cat is why I use cache pots. Head to lowe's or Home Depot and grab an orchid pot. They usually only carry the one size and it should be the right size for this Phal.

[kindrag23]

Originally Posted by RandomGemini

My cat is why I use cache pots. Head to lowe's or Home Depot and grab an orchid pot. They usually only carry the one size and it should be the right size for this Phal.

That was my goal for tomorrow to be ready for a repot session and what to do and what NOT to do like watering with ice cubes...even she thought that was dumb.

[RandomGemini]

LOL! I'm glad she has come common sense!

[kindrag23]

Me 2 I will take closer pics of the blooms before I chop part of one spike down.

[NYCorchidman]

It looks fine. beautiful flowers by the way.

The roots are green and potting mix looks wet.
Wait until you see the roots turn silvery white, maybe one week or so.

Keep the plant in bright and warm (not sunny and hot) and it should be fine.