Greetings everyone. I am nyyanks1 (call me yankxfan) from Ontario Canada. Thanks to our super helpful manager for helping me navigate this site after lurking for a bit and a few unsuccessful attempts. I would appreciate any advice as I am very new to the wonderful world of Orchids and bought my first just this past January. It was love at first sight, and this Orchid has actually bloomed the longest. I now have 6 Phalenopsis because of the great blooming show of this first one but I am afraid that my first purchase was by far the best. The others did drop blooms pretty quick. By a little bit of research I decided to cut them back hard. Some are developing new leaves. Is this typical? Others aren't doing anything and don't look great. Should I change their growing media, or location? My first one has done so well in my dining room that I put another there and did not get the same results. I am expecting too much?
Thanks for all of your advice. Yankxfan
Hey Yank
welcome to OB
If your orchids have never been repotted, than it would be a good idea - at least for fresh media - they may not need larger pots. You can also get a look at their roots while you do that. If your plants are looking too well it may be the roots have rotted.
Or they may need more frequent watering, and/or more or less light.
Pix would be helpful. As well as more info on how you are growing them. Light, water, etc.
I agree with Rabbit, more info will help us to help you. What type of medium are they planted in, how often are you watering and are you soaking them or just misting? The more info the better.
And pictures can really help (plus we just love pictures here, can't get enough!) If your orchids are planted in moss I would suggest unpotting one, remove all the moss so you can get a good look at the roots.
On the up side, new leaves are always a good sign! Phals will start making a new leaf after flowering (some will even do this while still in flower). I think cutting the flower spikes on your plants that are struggling was a very good idea. The stress of making flowers can cause a healthy plant to look a little under the weather. But I am strongly suspecting root rot since most commercial growers plant phals in moss. It is very common, unfortunately.
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