Saying Hello!

[new_orchid_rescuer]

Hello everyone!
I am a new member. I recieved a phalaenopsis last year and I was scared because I'm typically not good with plants. But I guess having the "idea" that it was more challenging made me a bit more attentive. Now I'm in love ;D I've wanted to get another for a while, but I'm a student and can't really justify spending the money. Until today, I was at Home Depot and saw a phal that had totally been neglected, but I thought I could save it, so I asked the salesperson if they could reduce the price. I got it for $4 since he totally thought it was about to die. It didn't have root rot since it was actually totally dried out. There were alot of dead roots, but there were still alot that were green. I'm excited to see how this turns out. I repotted it (it pretty much wasn't even potted when I got it... the pot was about 1/4 filled with potting medium, and the roots were just sitting on top!) And I've got a bag around it to help with the humidity.

One question though... It is flowering, but I was wondering if I should cut off the spike, or see what happens. It would be awesome if I didn't have to cut the flowers off (they're really pretty!). Any opinions?

Thanks and nice to meet everyone!!

[Candice]

Hello there!!!!

Nice of you to join the OB!
Its so great here and I am sure you will receive many replies to any and all your questions you may have!
I have done the same thing at Lowes and Walmart about saving phals. I got four phals at $1 each! Score, if they still survive, which they are about three months "old" since I have acquired them.
I don't have too much experience with them, and I am learning myself on what works for me, but usually the best idea is to wait and see what happens. You usually never want to repot during bloom time, but everyone has their own opinions!
Some of those roots that were on top, were probably aerial roots, and its ok to let them be all out in the open. I usually just mist the roots that aerial to give them moisture. Never mist the plant itself, just the roots is all.
You should post pictures if you have any specific questions about your plants so others can relate to what your questioning, too!
Again welcome!

[shakkai]

Welcome, another orchid rescuer! It is a compulsion that a lot of us have - seeing a plant in need of a good home and some TLC and just having to save it!

It is also a great way to learn about what works and what doesn't work, what the plants like and what they don't like.

If your new plant doesn't appear to be under too much stress - for example the leaves are all nice and green and plump - then I would say its okay to leave the flowers. But if you find that the loss of some of its roots starts to show that there aren't enough left to support the plants needs, then you will need to cut it. Better to have the plants energy directed at growing new roots to ensure a nice show of flowers next time, than have to nurse a weakened plant for ages before its strong enough for flower again.

Good luck! And please do show us some of your babies!

[reinbo15]

I agree, the temptation to rescue ailing orchids can be overwhelming. I'm a student as well, but have the luxury of working in a greenhouse with orchids. I rescue the "trashies", as I call them, that get tossed for scale or other health problems. Free orchids are great for learning on, since if you make a fatal mistake, your wallet doesn't suffer!

[Tindomul]

Welcome to the orchid Board. I agree with the advice above. I'm sure once the Phal is out of the woods, you will feel more confident in your orchid growing abilities. If it doesn't make it out of the woods, probably won't be you fault anyways.

[new_orchid_rescuer]

Nice to meet you all!
Orchids really are addictive! Now I've just bought a gold dendrobium on e-bay! (haven't recived it yet though) And I've bid on 2 more! Here are some pics:
The first is the phal I got last August, and the second is the 'rescue' from Home Depot and it's sad-looking leaves:

[new_orchid_rescuer]

Oh yeah, I should also add that the rescue already seems to be doing better. The roots looked completely dried out when I got it, but it's been about a day and a half and they're looking plump! One leaf also seems to be getting firmer. Yay!!

[cb977]

Hi and welcome...sorry I missed your post for two days!

Both are very pretty plants, I don't think the markings on the leaves are a big deal...

... but I'd get that bag off there. Air movement is most important for orchids. If you want to raise the humidity a bit, put some rocks or gravel in a small tray, and some water and set the pot on top of the tray.

[new_orchid_rescuer]

Thanks! I have removed the bag now and it's on a tray with rocks and water!

[cb977]

I think you'll be much better off that way

I never answered your actual question, either!
What a DUH day I'm having!

I see no need to cut the spike, especially while it's still in bloom

Once the blooms are gone, there are varying ideas on what to do from there:

One group says leave the spike as it might branch off and rebloom Getting additional flowers is always a wonderful thing, right?

The other group says the spike should be cut so all that excess energy can be used in strengthening the plant itself.

I don't think there's a "right" or "wrong" way to do it.

I originally left all my spikes growing in the hopes of reblooming but I've changed (as you go further along in this wonderful hobby of growing orchids, you make changes along the way ) the way I think about it and now...once a phal has bloomed, I cut the spike and let the plant make itself extra happy

To make things a little more confusing...some phal species' spikes should not be cut because they produce Keikis (babies)...sorry