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Originally Posted by gingersmommy
I ordered smaller, clear pots and new medium to get my orchids out of that Miracle Grow "dirt." That really irks me, however, I digress. 
A few questions, how deep should i pot them - i.e. should the main "stem" and leaves be well above the medium? Should I cut all of the shriveled, brown roots - even if they aren't "rotten." (My plants appear healthy, but last time I repotted them, there really aren't that many great roots.)
Lastly, when I water, I flush them really well with tap water and then finish with 1/4 strength fertilized water that has been sitting out for several days. Is tap water okay? I have so many of them now that I wouldn't be able to set aside enough water to flush and water them. Thank you. |
Try and pot them to the depth they were when you got them. Basically the leaves should be above the media but any trunk with roots can be in the media. However if there are a few air roots above the media that is fine too. If the roots aren't hollow or mushy I would leave them on. They might be alive but dehydrated and will help to anchor your plant in the new media. I find Phals aren't so picky about water compared to some other orchids. Everyone's tap water is different so I can't really say about yours. For sure don't use it if you use a salt based water softener. Otherwise it is likely OK. If it is high in pH and minerals it would be a good idea to try and collect some rain water but not everyone can do that. I find Phals really respond to adding a bit of seaweed (kelp) to the fert water as it stimulates root growth. This can usually be found at hydroponics places. They seem to like clear pots too as their roots can photosynthesize. Good luck!
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