a few questions about the state of my phals

[dangerouseddy]

i've only just started with caring for orchids well about 5 weeks ago, theyr'e all Phalaenopsis.

everything seemed ok, one has a dry paper patch on the edge of one of the leafs but seems ok.

the small seedlings seem ok too although ive only had them a week.

I received a new Phalaenopsis as a present unfortunately it was left in the car overnight so suffered some cold damage. it lost 2 leafs and 2 other look a bit iffy although im not sure whats up with them.

one of my other phals started to get a leaf that is yellowing, think it has some kind of bacterial rot.



ive attached pictures, hope somebody can give me some pointers.

[sweetjblue]

#1 cold damage you will probably lose this leaf

#2 Spidermite or mechanicial damage. Take a damp paper towel and wipe both sides of the leaf. If it comes back with a slight reddish color you probably have mites.

#3 small brown patch- could be from slight sunburn or from mechanical but looks to be healed over. Nothing to worry about.

#4 definite cold damage- these leaves are goners

#5 losing older leaf- probably due to change in growing enviroments (grower to store- store to you)

#6 looks to be the same as #2

#7 other than the cold damage on the leaves the rest of this plant looks ok.


Judi

[dangerouseddy]

thanks was a bit paranoid that I might have had some kind of bacterial or fungal infection.

have sprayed them all with fungicide.

I cut off any mushy roots but most were ok then sprayed them with hydrogen peroxide (is 3% the right strength or something stronger) before I repotted them in new orchid bark mix.

bit of a pity about the one I got as a present - it had 4 flower spikes on it, most of the buds have blasted , ive cut one of the spikes off and will probably cut some more off as it lost a few leafs.

anybody got any tips for caring for phal seedlings potted in bark?

spent quiet a few hours reading the forums, has been educational but can always learn more

[sweetjblue]

Dangerous, Yes it is a pity especially with 4 spikes!

3% H2O2 is fine. Did you pre-soak your bark before you repotted? If not, you may have trouble keeping the bark moist.
If you lose all the buds I would opt for cutting all the spikes and let the plant concentrate on growing new leaves and roots. Since its had a good shock and now is not really the time for active growth it may be a few months before you see anything. New growth usually kicks into gear with the lengthening of days so that is when I would begin checking.

Your seedlings you'll want to keep evenly moist with good humidity. They don't have the reserves of moisture that an older plant can draw upon if needed. I often find they'll grow better with bottom heat such as a seedlings mat.

Judi

[dangerouseddy]

I didn't know about needing to pre-soak the bark, will keep an eye on them and make sure theyre moist.

yes it would probably be a good idea to cut off the spikes, with luck it will flower again some time in the future.

will look into getting an heated seedling mat, will make sure the seedlings don't dry out.

thanks for all the help.

just one last question - roughly how long will it take a seedling to grow to flowering size, I assume a few years?

[sweetjblue]

If you didn't presoak the bark forego the seedling mat, at least for now. Try to keep them as warm as possible without it. 70-75 degrees would be good. The mat at this point will make the bark extremely dry quickly. Wait at least a month or two before you use one.

Yes it will take a few years before blooming. Much will depend on the vigor of the seedlings and the parentage of your cross.


Judi

[dangerouseddy]

ok thanks, the room im keeping the seedlings in varies from about 68-75f and the humidity is usually about 60%.

i'll keep an eye on the bark and try to keep it moist.

its a bit tricky to work out when they need watering but im learning slowly.