How do I care for my re-potted orchids?

[Claudia9421]

I have three orchids that I repotted about a month ago. Two of them are Phalaenopsis and the third an Oncidium twinkle. I used a pre-made orchid potting mix which generally consisted of tree bark and charcoal and I added some perlite to help with water retention. I've placed them in new pots with a small bowl underneath that contains little glass stones on which the pots rest. I keep them in my bedroom on a wall and they recieve indirect light the entire day. I try to water once a week as the bark dries out quite fast. My one Phal is not looking so good; the leaves are all droopy and seem to be dying. The other two look fine but I am worried they are following the same path as the first plant. Any tips would be great as I am trying to start a small collection and these that I have are very sentimental to me. Thank you!

[aliceinwl]

I don't have a lot of experience, but it sounds like they may need more water. I've found the skewer method linked at the top of the forum is a good way to learn to gauge when watering is required.

I've found how I water makes a difference too. If I just let the water run through the bark I have to water more often (twice a week) but if I soak the plant for 5 minutes or so and then let the water drain out I can get by watering weekly. If your media is drying out fast, and you're watering by letting water run through the pot you may have to water more often.

If you have the phals in clear pots, you can also look at root color, when they look silvery rather than green, it's time to water.

I've read Oncidiums like to be wetter than phals. I try to water my phals as soon as the pot goes dry, but I try to water my assorted Oncidium hybrids when the bark is still at the moist stage.

[Claudia9421]

Thank you for the advice, will definitely try your method xx

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

[No-Pro-mwa]

Yes welcome to the board. And also newly potted plants always need to be watered more than after they have been in the mix for awhile.