Hi, I have about 16 phals (love the phals), for about seven years now. Anyway, my phals haven't bloomed for approx. four years. I had a bought of serious mealys and treated them for months with holistic treatment (alcohol and soap, etc.). Kept coming back with a vengence. Finally I sprayed them with Bayer and that took care of it. I swear, I don't know what I am doing wrong - probably overwatering for one thing (although I think I am doing better with that now) as the roots are dark and rotted when I repot. Anyway, for about four months now I have them in a room with a portable heater I purchased which I keep at 74, and a portable humidifier that I bought that is set pretty high. They get good light (although I am going to put the shade down as I think too much). I have also been watering them for about 2 months with distilled water that I add a diluted orchid fertilizer to that my sister gave me (her orchids to great! - she does a lot of research and has different kinds), and this stuff from rePotme that is like a probiotic. I am also adjusting the pH. I have been turning off the heater at night since 12/20/17. It gets down to about 58-60. Then I turn it back on in the morning. I water once a week by soaking for about five minutes each and draining completely. If this doesn't work, I seriously don't know what I am going to do. I will just resign myself to having green houseplants. Sorry guys, but it has been years and years with no success. I feel like tossing all my struggling orchids (I have 4-5 that seem to be somewhat robust - but not blooming) and starting fresh. Some of them are getting lots of air roots and look vigorous since the heater and humidity and new water. I repotted over the summer in bark, clay pieces, that white sponge rock (premium mix from rePotme).
Crying emoji! (lack of success with longtime Phals)
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