Hello

[rbarata]

One thing to take in consideration, especially with phals (phalaenopsis) is to never let water get into the crown, especially with cold weather. It may cause crown rot...that's one of the reasons why they should be watered in the morning.

[charlesf6]

This is what she looks like tonight after work



Very light to pick up and mostly all bark, don't think there is enough medium for the shish-ka-bob stick trick

[estación seca]

The stick does work in bark like that. Stick it in, and leave it for 10 minutes. Then check. Some people leave the stick in the pot all the time, only pulling it out to check.

[rbarata]

Some people leave the stick in the pot all the time, only pulling it out to check.

Just like checking engine oil level.

[estación seca]

After my grandfather had been gone 3 years, one of my cousins asked my grandmother when she had last had the oil changed. She replied, "You have to change the oil?"

It's even more surprising because she swept, scrubbed or vacuumed every room in her house twice a day.

[silken]

I agree about the stick. For now put it in and check in 10 mins. as mentioned. Then put it back in the same place and leave it till you want to check again. It stays down there getting wet and dry, just like the bark and roots. So it is a really accurate gauge. I see some green roots, but photos can play tricks and make things look greener sometimes.

[charlesf6]

Originally Posted by silken

I agree about the stick. For now put it in and check in 10 mins. as mentioned. Then put it back in the same place and leave it till you want to check again. It stays down there getting wet and dry, just like the bark and roots. So it is a really accurate gauge. I see some green roots, but photos can play tricks and make things look greener sometimes.

Well there are green roots near top of pot, greenish white heading down past middle then silver white landing on bottom.
What my concern was was under pot the dry brown roots that had crawled out.

Going to go find me a stick

[estación seca]

The dry brown roots that crawled out of the pot are dead, like a Ricean vampire in daylight. The ones just above them in the pot are alive but dry. The ones in the middle are damp. The ones up top are wet.

You are aiming to have all of them heading towards silvery white before watering again. I suggest you head to an Asian market, where you will find a whole pack of wood skewers for very little money. And a whole lot more interesting stuff to eat or plant.

[rbarata]

One thing, an important one, you haven't tell us yet...your growing conditions. Do you have it in a windowsill?

[charlesf6]

Originally Posted by rbarata

One thing, an important one, you haven't tell us yet...your growing conditions. Do you have it in a windowsill?

For the mean time it is in a mud room (hall entrance way) next to a door with a scallop top window for some light.