Leaf problems in Phals

[iiwii]

I have a couple of Phals that seem to experiencing different problems. I attached pictures of both plants so I can try and get as much help as possible. The smaller one, I was debating weather it was over-watering or dehydration as the problem. The bigger one has leaves beginning to turn yellow on the margins and the two lower leaves are beginning to droop and wilt. There are only three leaves total on this plant. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Pete

[Alyons]

I would check the roots on both of them and make sure they're not rotten. Looks like you may have root rot and that is causing the dehydration. It could be that you're overwatering. Check the roots and then get back to us. Good luck.

[camille1585]

I agree, you need to unpot and check the roots so you can pinpoint the cause. If there's live roots, you just need to increase watering. If they're mostly rotted it will be harder to get the plants healthy again, but not impossible.

[Daethen]

Do the pots they are in have drainage? I agree with looking at the roots. Root rot and underwatering can look alot alike. If the roots are white or green and firm they are ok and it just needs more water. If they are brown or mushy, they are rotted and you will need to do some work on them. Take a look and let us know what you find or post up some pics of the roots if you aren't sure.

[iiwii]

So i took both plants out and inspected the roots today. I took pictures as well to hear other opinions. Both had some rotted roots for sure but it also seemed like both had new green roots starting to appear. Well let me know what you all think I should do!

Thanks,
Pete

[RosieC]

Hi Pete,

The roots on the first very wrinkled one don't look sufficient for the size of plant and I think that's the problem.

Personally I would remove all mushy/hollow roots, then pot in a tiny tiny tiny pot. I'm talking maybe a 2" pot and no more. You can use an old food container if you have one the right size, just cut lots of holes/slits in it to allow drainage and air flow.

Water when the roots look dry at the bottom (clear pot is best) or when you are sure the medium is dry down to the bottom.

The reason for the small pot is the fact that it should dry pretty quickly and you can therefore water every few days without stopping the air flow. Phals love water but also need air arround the roots and the water tends to block that, when it drys quickly they get lots of both.

[RosieC]

The roots on the second look OK. I would also pot this in the smallest pot that you can fit the roots into so that it dries as quickly as possible, then water every time it's dry.

I'm not sure the reason for the leaf yellowing on that one, maybe someone else has an idea.

I forgot to say on the first one that in a tiny pot as I suggest it will probably fall over. I put them inside an empty larger pot to help them stand.

[iiwii]

So I have a nice tiny pot but was wondering should I use a bark mix or just straight sphagnum moss to repot it in? Would one be better to promote new root growth?

thanks!

[RosieC]

I favour bark, fine bark in a tiny pot.

Moss would probably be fine as long as it's drying quickly, I don't get on with it well personally but dyring time is the key.