What is wrong with my Phal Orchid? - Orchid Board

Brettsey · #1 06-05-2013, 01:50 PM

I just got this Orchid about 9 days ago. I got it from Lowes and I think it might have been infected with either pest or something. I have noticed itty bitty spider like insects that are on a regular looking spider web not spider mite webs. But there are some white spots that were on the leaves that I wiped off when I got it. I thought it was dried water or something. I am new to Orchids. I have grown other plants in the past where I dealt with spider mites and thrips. But, its hard to tell. There are these two little black spots on the flower as well as spot that looks like a cigarette burn and other clear spots. Some of the leaves have vague yellow spots and one black spot. I feel like it might have been slightly over watered before I got it. I just watered it with 2 1/2 ice cubes made of bottled water. Any idea what I could do to make this better?

WhiteRabbit · #2 06-05-2013, 03:43 PM

Have you misted this?

Brettsey · #3 06-05-2013, 04:00 PM

No I have not misted it. I thought that was bad for orchids. Lowes on the other hand might have

SlipperGirl · #4 06-05-2013, 06:07 PM

Don't water with ice cubes its not good for the plant.

I don't know what's wrong with it looks like dried water to me I see it on the phals in the stores all the time I just wash it off with some water and mayo.

flexdc · #5 06-05-2013, 06:25 PM

I second don't water with ice cube. Whomever promoted this method does not know a thing about orchids! It is a SCAM!
Otherwise it looks healthy to me

flexdc · #6 06-05-2013, 06:26 PM

The correct method is to give you plant a little shower on e a week or so.

Brettsey · #7 06-05-2013, 06:29 PM

Also the pot I bought this Orchid in does not have anyway to drain the water; should I repot it or is that okay?

SlipperGirl · #8 06-05-2013, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brettsey

Also the pot I bought this Orchid in does not have anyway to drain the water; should I repot it or is that okay?

You should repot it into a pot that has lots of drainage holes in it, I like clear plastic so I can see the roots.

Also you will need a good draining mix like bark.

Brettsey · #9 06-05-2013, 07:04 PM

Okay I will repot it. Any helpful tips for repotting it?

SlipperGirl · #10 06-05-2013, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brettsey

Okay I will repot it. Any helpful tips for repotting it?

Take a good look at the roots if there are any that are brown or mushy cut them off with a sterilized knife.

Just a little warning since the plant is in bloom when you repot it may lose those blooms.