Stunted Leaf Growth on Phals

[orchidgirl82]

Hi everyone,

I have two Phals that aren't doing so hot. They both have semi-weak root systems and I've been doing my best to keep them going. I was excited a few months ago to see that both of them started growing one new leaf but after several weeks I noticed that they both stopped growing and now it is months later and there is just a tiny tip of the leaf in the center but it hasn't come up and doesn't seem like it's going to. I'm not sure what to do to get these plants back on the right track. They aren't growing any roots or leaves.

Does anyone know how to help with this?? Thanks!

[RosieC]

If it's cold where you are that might be the cause.

To promote growth try watering with luke warm water rather than cold water. I find at this time of year the water straight out of the tap is really really cold. Luke warm water seems to promote root and leaf growth in some of mine which were struggling.

I'm using cold water on the healthly ones that I want to flower, initially I was using luke warm water on them all after noticing that it helped root growth on a sick one, but it may be the reason mine have not spiked this year.

[Zoi2]

What kind of growing culture are you giving your phals?
Joann

[orchidgirl82]

Hi,

I attached a few pics so you could see the plants. Both are planted in orchid bark with a little sphagnum moss mixed in but they are primarily in bark. The one in the first pic has some roots as you can see, the one in the second pic...not so much.

I usually water all my orchids with luke warm water as that is what I thought you were supposed to do.

[mojomick]

It looks like a definite root problem to me. Have you tried the spagh and bag? Promoting good roots is most important, and these don't look like they have any to take up water to the plant.

[orchidgirl82]

everytime i do the spagh bag they get mold...not sure if i'm doing it wrong but i've tried it 3x and they've always died.

[nutgirl]

If sphag n bag doesn't work for you, you might want to search "phalaenopsis in water culture" in the semi-hydro forum.

It's another technique that gets roots started.

Maureen