Orchid Newbie... am I killing my Phal?

[angel143]

Hi everyone,

I recently (FINALLY!) got myself an orchid. I've had it for about 2 weeks now and I'm getting quite frightened after looking at all the threads about fungus/bacterial infections and all the different things that can go wrong with them.

It is in a pot specific for orchids with the potting mixture it was sold in. It sits near a north facing window, and because my place has central heating, I've added two glasses of water to sit near the plant to provide more humidity.

I watered it last Saturday by letting the water run through, leaving it for a few minutes and draining well. The potting mixture was moist but not drenched.


Is the yellow/brown just a normal transition as it grows? Or is this something that I need to pay close attention to and what sort of treatment is needed?

Thanks in advance!

[Blueszz]

I think what is happening with this leave is the normal result from aging as it's the lower leaf if I'm right?
Your plant looks very good and healthy! She is a beauty!

Is it potted in only moss?

[angel143]

Hi Blueszz

Whew! I was so relieved when I read your reply.

Yup, it's only moss in the pot. I've heard that they contain more nutrients but break down a lot quicker. I'm thinking of doing a 2/3 sphag moss and 1/3 orchid mix for the next potting, just in case I forget/dont have time to repot within a year after I repot them.

[Amanda L]

Welcome to the Orchid Board Angel143!! What a beautiful orchid you've chosen. I'm going to agree with Blueszz. The lower leaves are older and will turn yellow and fall off. You won't have to cut it, just let it fall.
Be very careful with watering if it's in sphag moss. The moss will appear to be dry on the top, but still quite moist in the middle around the roots. One of the best ways to check if you need to water is to put a skewer in the pot, pull it out and if it's moist or cool to the touch, your orchid doesn't need to be watered.
When it's time you re-pot your orchid, I suggest a clear pot with plenty of drainage. Don't compact the medium, because orchid roots need to breath. Clear pots are great, because it allows you to see the roots and moister in the pot. Also when watering make sure you don't get any water in the crown (the top of the plant where the leaves meet). If you get water in there blow it out or stick the corner of a paper towel in there to dry it out. Leaving water in the crown will lead to crown rot.

Good Luck with your new orchid. You will soon be an addict.

[justatypn]

Great information angel, you have chosen an easy first time grower. They are pretty forgiving. The skewer is a great idea, one I used when I first started growing orchids and I always kept in mind if I am not sure if I should or should not water I would wait a day, orchids can take a day or two holding period on a due watering regimen.

Is that Shultz fertilizer I see on the table? Remember week weakly, I have used the same product myself and when I had a few of my orchids in sphagnum I would go by the label less 2/3 the required amount knowing sphagnum holds nutrients more than other orchid medium.

Good luck, so far so good

[Donald]

Good luck with your new "phal" Angel. It will get to be habit forming, orchid growing, that is.