New Orchid Rescuer!

[greenpassion]

In response to your question about how to rescue the mini phals from the grocery, I have rescued many from the stores as well. First, I immediately repot. Nine times out of 10 they are packed in moss, and the roots are struggling to breathe. Before I do this, I make sure that I have a clear plastic pot with good ventilation holes or slots in it, and overnight I have pre-soaked the bark mix I plan to pot it up in. Even if they are in bark, I get them out of the pots to check the roots. IF there are rotted roots, I cut those away with a sterile blade. Are you new to growing phals? I hate to be telling you what you already know!

[Phonelady]

Hi Greenpassio,
Thank you for the advice!
I am very new to growing any orchids.
I live in the Rocky Mountains in a remote area and have to drive about 36 miles to the single grocery store in the western county. That is why I have only seen Phals, and have no experience with other orchids.
Someone posted a picture of the ventilation holes they made in their pots with a soldering iron. My experiment with leftovers containers and a power drill has resulted in some nicely ventilated pots for my new acquisitions. Maybe they will survive the poor conditions and over-watering that is a regular occurrence at this grocery.
I have attached a picture of one of my little dudes in a homemade pot.
Smiles!
Carla

Originally Posted by greenpassion

In response to your question about how to rescue the mini phals from the grocery, I have rescued many from the stores as well. First, I immediately repot. Nine times out of 10 they are packed in moss, and the roots are struggling to breathe. Before I do this, I make sure that I have a clear plastic pot with good ventilation holes or slots in it, and overnight I have pre-soaked the bark mix I plan to pot it up in. Even if they are in bark, I get them out of the pots to check the roots. IF there are rotted roots, I cut those away with a sterile blade. Are you new to growing phals? I hate to be telling you what you already know!

[greenpassion]

It looks really good. Is it potted in Moss or bark? I have killed several orchids over the years potted in Moss as I tend to be an over water. Mine are all in bark on a heat mat as warmth in the root system benefits phalaenopsis orchids. There's a website called first rays, go to that website and pick up a bottle of kelp Max. It's a Wonderful product that really enhances the root system and growth of orchids. I've been told by members here on the OB that it's impossible to over water an orchid potted in bark. Thus far I found that to be true. And if you are able to see through the sides of that plastic pot it's a benefit, as you will know better when to water. When the roots are silvery white it's okay to water. Although in Moss again it could stay damp in the very center. I have been fooled seeing the silver reroutes without realizing that the center of the pot is still wet. In bark that doesn't happen.😊

---------- Post added at 04:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:21 PM ----------

I use a finer bark mix for my mini phals. Using bark with a well aerated pot lets the air circulate around the roots which is essential for them. I often put a small amount of moss mixed in with the finer bark mix for my little ones. It seems to work really well.

[Phonelady]

Mine are potted in bark with perlite mixed in.
Yes, I have noticed that the mini's dry out very fast. I may have to add some moss to their pots next time I repot.
A humidifier is next on my list of acquisitions, since I live up in the Rockies and it is VERY dry here in the winter.
That is another reason for the food containers - I can see through them to the roots!
Ok, I'll look at first ray's. Maybe there will be something I can use.

Thanks!
Carla

Originally Posted by greenpassion

It looks really good. Is it potted in Moss or bark? I...There's a website called first rays, go to that website and pick up a bottle of kelp Max. It's a Wonderful product that really enhances the root system and growth of orchids. I've been told by members here on the OB that it's impossible to over water an orchid potted in bark. Thus far I found that to be true...And if you are able to see through the sides of that plastic pot it's a benefit, as you will know better when to water. When the roots are silvery white it's okay to water. Although in Moss again it could stay damp in the very center. I have been fooled seeing the silver reroutes without realizing that the center of the pot is still wet. In bark that doesn't happen.😊

I use a finer bark mix for my mini phals. Using bark with a well aerated pot lets the air circulate around the roots which is essential for them. I often put a small amount of moss mixed in with the finer bark mix for my little ones. It seems to work really well.

[Optimist]

Originally Posted by Phonelady

Mine are potted in bark with perlite mixed in.
Yes, I have noticed that the mini's dry out very fast. I may have to add some moss to their pots next time I repot.
A humidifier is next on my list of acquisitions, since I live up in the Rockies and it is VERY dry here in the winter.
That is another reason for the food containers - I can see through them to the roots!
Ok, I'll look at first ray's. Maybe there will be something I can use.

Thanks!
Carla

I am in a rocky mountain state at a very high altitude as well, and yes, it is very dry here. A sonic (cool-air ) humidifier is a wonderful addition to an orchid collection in our area. It is also great for keeping down dust in the house, keeping wooden items from cracking, and for lowering your chance of colds or bloody noses, and keeps the skin moist-- you can see I am a great fan of them.

[Phonelady]

Ah thank you. I was wondering what was the difference between a warm air and cool air humidifier.
That's something to look for when I get to go down to the city.

Originally Posted by Optimist

I am in a rocky mountain state at a very high altitude as well, and yes, it is very dry here. A sonic (cool-air ) humidifier is a wonderful addition to an orchid collection in our area. It is also great for keeping down dust in the house, keeping wooden items from cracking, and for lowering your chance of colds or bloody noses, and keeps the skin moist-- you can see I am a great fan of them.