Orchid Assessment(with Pics)
 

Hi there,

I'm new to this forum.

Last year, I've gotten some very nice orchids - phals and dendr.. before, they grew and bloomed well, I didn't have to put much effort into it, but have never had reblooms.

After quite a break, I got a new orchid - Phalaenopsis purple valley from Trader Joe's. If you could give me some assessment of my plant, so I have an idea of what I should do, besides the usual care regime, I would very much appreciate it.

My main concern is that the edges of most of the leaves are brown, and that the roots look a little dry?

Here are the pics, please give your feedback :)

There were other plants with healthier-looking leaves, but somehow I liked this one so much.


http://scottpenny.smugmug.com/galler...49464955_LxDMG

I'm sorry, I don't know why the link is not appearing - here it is if you could just copy and paste:

Scott : photos : Plants

The leaves look to have red edging to me. This may be normal for that Phal, one of mine has a tendency to red on the leaves and it can depend on flower colouring. I can't be certain but my first impression of the leaves is that they look healthy.

The roots on the outside of the pot are dead. But from what I can see the ones inside the pot look plump and green. One of mine which I've had over a year now had roots on the outside which were just like that, but really healthy roots inside the pot.

Hopefully others can confirm, but my feeling is that the plant looks healthy. Just make sure the roots inside the pot turn silver before you water each time and I think you should be fine.

i think rosies assesment is correct...the roots outside the pot died due to handling and traveling most likely, but the roots in the pot look fine. you should do well with this orchid. enjoy!

The red border around the leaf is quite normal. I know for sure that phal's will express red pigment in their leaves as they approach the upper limit of their light requirement; the more pigment, the closer you are to the limit. Other orchids might do this too (I'm not entirely sure), but I know for sure that Phals do.

Ditto, the plant looks fine to me.

Thank you seniors for the feedback! :)