help with my phalaenopsis
 

Hello everyone,

I am in desperate need of help! I have attached some images of my phalaenopsis . Sorry about the quality of my images - I took them using my phone. The last one focuses on the stem - I am not sure you can notice what is left of the stem.

I am worried as the roots seem to go overboard, and the stem looks deadish. I am not sure if it needs repotting (I suspect so). I cut off the stem about two months ago.

I would really appreciate your help!

Hi Dani and welcome to Orchid Board :welcome:

Your Phal actually looks quite healthy.

The stem is dead, but that's normal once it has flowered and been cut down. If you want you can cut it down shorter, just be careful not to damage the leaves or roots when you do.

Roots growing over the edge and in the air is quite normal on potted Phals. They do it all the time and it is nothing to worry about. My healthiest Phals have loads of them.

agree with above

From your pictures you have a healthy orchid! The flower stem will turn brown like yours did after the plant has finished blooming. When the plant is ready to bloom again it will sent up another spike, in other words the old stem will never do anything again. Those are normal healthy roots coming out the side. When was the last time it was repotted? Generally phals like to be repotted every couple of years.

Having said that I would be slightly worried about the fact that it seems to be potted in moss.

Some people get on well with that (especially in drier climates) but personally I have found it stayes wet too long and can lead to root rot.

But your plant looks like it's doing well so far, and as you say you cut the spike off two months ago you must have had it for longer than that so you may find it does OK for you. Be very careful not to overwater though.

Oh, and you can probably remove the support spikes, although if they are wodden they could be used to judge watering. You can check how wet the medium is lower down by pulling the spike out and checking if it is damp, then put it back into the same hole.

One more question to add. Does the pot that it is in have drainage holes?

Ah, good question Ted. Yes, if the pot does NOT have drainage holes then I would really advise repotting.

Hello everyone!

Thank you so much, Rosie, Seamonkey, Failingflopsis and Ted for your replies. Rosie, thank you for the welcoming message - it is really nice to be part of the orchid board community.

I have never repotted my Phalaenopsis before. I got it in March. Yes, the pot has drainage holes.

I live in Alberta, Canada and the climate here is really dry. I guess that is why my orchid seems to do OK, even though it is potted in moss. I should also mention that I watered it about an hour prior to taking pictures.

Best regards

Just wondering roughly how long before a new spike should start to emerge?

I find they emerge at certain times of the year. Many Phals (but not all) will start a new flower spike after a temperature drop. Mine generally start in the autum, although cool weather in the spring or summer has also been known to trigger them.