Phal NOID transfered to S/H. What to watch for now?

[Blueszz]

Kind of long, questions below in bold-italic, if you don't want or don't have the time to read the entire post

Two weeks ago I transferred a not so thriving Phal into S/H. In fact it was only surviving, building no roots for almost a year, the last leaf was way to small and in December it started a spike which I removed. The leaves where a bit limp.
I tried several things but couldn't get this baby growing. Despite it had no root growth I decided to try S/H. It was a desperate attempt to nurse it back to health.
During the 2 weeks in S/H all the leaves firmed up again, I had to remove a bit from roots twice but now it seems stabilizing. It already had some black spots along the roots so the roots where in poor shape once I transferred this Phal to S/H. Keep fingers crossed for this NOID Phal. I considder her as my learning project

I always wanted to try a healthy Phal. in S/H. I decided to use a very healthy Phal. NOID, it might be Phal. Anthura Gold. Healthy leaves with a lot of new root growth. I repotted this Phal 2 months ago and was surprised with the new root mass. New roots where thicker than the old roots and non of the roots showed signs of rot. I didn't have to cut a single piece from this plant. Roots where very long and branched. A good start for transferring to S/H I think?
Carefully I cleaned the roots and stem and removed every piece of bark I could remove... soaked it in Superthrive etc.
I found a pot which can contain 1 liter and had difficulties fitting the roots in the pot. Carefully I manipulated the roots in the pot and worked the LECA around the roots.
On the stem I noticed new growths. Two unidentified ones underneath the old (cut) spikes and one new root that was under a yellowing leaf that I removed last week.

I'll watch this baby daily LOL.
Questions:

1. What do I have to look for now she is recently transferred to S/H?
2. Is it beneficial to flush the pot in the beginning more often?
3. Can I use Superthrive in S/H or should I leave that with these healthy and actively growing roots?

Thanks, Nicole

[Ray]

If you see that tyhe plant is happily growing new roots, there is nothing special to do.

If you water it correctly - filing the pot to the top and letting it drain - no additional flushing is necessary.

You may use SuperThrive or K-L-N as a fertilizer supplement, but only add about a drop per 2- or 3 liters.

[Blueszz]

Thanks Ray for your advise!

I almost feel sorry for this Phal. She was doing so wel in her bark only medium but if she benefits from it, I know S/H could be the way of choice for growing Phal's in my home.
My biggest concern is how they take it during the winter months when night temps go as low as 60.8 F for months!
Do you think that will be a bigger problem with S/H than in a bark medium?
As long as the 'old' roots don't touch the water or are in the water, they shouldn't rot, am I correct?

Oh boy, am I nervous!

[kavanaru]

Blueszz, Phals normally do very well in S/H, don't worry too much

as per the temps.. most of my potted orchid grow in S/H and they do not bother that much for night temps around 60.8F, but I noticed once (it was an experiment) that Phals suffer A LOT, when temps go below 55F (even if only for one or two nights!)

[Blueszz]

Thanks Ramon, I worry too much :-)
I've read so often that Phal's take S/H very well... but it's the first plant for me I try this with. I guess you still remember that feeling when you put your first plant in S/H

Again thanks!

[kavanaru]

well... not the first one, but the first Cattleya

my first plants were some Paph NOIDs I picked at the supermarket, in order to test the system (which I did not trust at the beginning )... it went very well, then I tried my first Phals, which adapted very well too... Then I decided to go for the catts & others... they are bit trickier... and I was worried at the beginning... especially after loosing Hexisea bidentata (did not like S/H at all - and I have not been able to replace the plant)