Phalaenopsis: Lots of leaves and new air roots!
 

Hi, this is my first post. I did try to search for a post about this, but I don't think I know enough to even know what search terms to use!

I inherited an orchid at work, about one year ago. I think it is a phalaenopsis, but I could be wrong! He seems quite happy, I soak him once a week and he is near the humidifier. Currently he gets about 12 hours of dark and cool temperatures at night, and indirect sunlight during the day.

Yesterday I saw an air root popping out, and today it seems another is starting. I also wonder how tall the leaf stem (base?) will get. It is looking more like a pineapple plant than an orchid at this point. He isn't cramped in his pot, but I think it is near time to repot him and give him new potting mix to live in, correct? He is probably about 2 years old now.I also realize I should give him fertilizer--is that why his leaves keep growing in?

It is a Phalaeonopsis orchid. The potting height looks good but if it has been two years you are correct, it is time for a repot. One thing that struck me from your photos was that the lower leaves look a bit dessicated (causing the wrinkles). Once a week watering may not be enough based on you humidity level. I'm not sure what you mean by "the leaves growing in".

Happy Phalaenopsis can have lots of leaves. They’re pretty slow growing and most of the plants offered for sale in stores are not old enough to have grown very many leaves.

In terms of fertilizer you can get a brand marketed for orchids and give about a quarter of the recommended dose. Personally, I alternate weeks between fertilizer and plain water.

Your plant also looks like it’s in a clear pot inside the clay. You can pop out this pot and take a look at the roots. When the roots have a silvery look it’s time to water. When they’re green/yellow/white don’t water. Orchids are much more tolerant of under watering than over watering.

After two years, I agree a repot is likely needed.

Thank you both for your help. I did over water an orchid once, so I am loathe to do that again! But PAPHLUVR is correct, the leaves are wrinkly, so I will give it water more often. It is VERY dry where I am, I am very wrinkly too!

ALICEINWL, I can look at the roots, they are not quite silvery, but very pale army green. I will proceed with caution. And add fertilizer.

"Leaves coming in" meant I was just surprised at the number of them and the height. I have always seen orchids with just two or three leaves. But now I know that is just because they are young! I am glad my plant is happy.

:thanx: