Phal. bellina with moldy roots exploding liquid - Terrifying

[redelio]

Many thanks to everyone who suggested that I contact Hausermann. You were right. They are replacing the orchid (my preference over refund).

[Orchid Whisperer]

Also, unless you live in a really dry climate, don't pot Phals in sphagnum. Though it is not impossible as a medium, it is difficult for the usual hobby grower to manage moisture with it. Roots often die from staying too wet.

Bark or other well-drained medium works much better (again, exception for arid climates). It allows the medium to become nearly dry before watering again.

[redelio]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

Also, unless you live in a really dry climate, don't pot Phals in sphagnum.

Humidity is all the way up to 21% today so it's a banner day for us!

[estación seca]

21% relative humidity is not something a Phal. violacea will likely survive for very long. I suggest you think about how to raise your humidity.

Phal species almost all come from areas people consider warm to hot. Typical winter home temperatures in the US or Europe are lower than they would ever seen in habitat.

There are, broadly, two groups of Phals hobbyists grow. Those with rounder, often larger flowers, often in shades of white to pink to pale yellow or orange, are hybrids descended from species such as Phal. amabile. They tend to have somewhat dull and dark green leaves, often with purplish undersurfaces, or purplish overall in strong light. Flower stalks tend to produce many flowers at about the same time, and then die. Sometimes flower stalks remain alive and push new stalks from lower nodes the next year. Flowers in this group are not often fragrant. After many generations, this kind of hybrid often tolerates lower temperatures and lower humidity than ideal. Some can survive and bloom with relative humidity in the 20%-30% range. Some people are able keep them alive through winters with temperatures in the upper 60s F. They do much better as temperatures rise, all year long.

The other group has bright light green, very shiny leaves. Flowers are more star-shaped, bright yellow to pink to purple, often with bars or bands, very shiny / waxy, and generally of much heavier substance than those of the other group. This group often has very fragrant flowers. Flower stalks tend to produce one or a few flowers at a time, but stalks remain alive for multiple years. If conditions are correct they can bloom almost indefinitely. This group has not been hybridized for as many generations as the other group. They want higher temperatures and humidity than the other group. They are not as forgiving if temperatures or humidity get too low. Phal. violacea is in this group, and many people think it is the least tolerant of low temperatures and humidity.

[redelio]

I'll keep you updated!

[No-Pro-mwa]

I'm glad there making things right for you. They are top notch in my book. Yes let us know what you end up getting. I have some problems with my phals because my house gets pretty cold in the winter months. I know that's why I finally lost my mannii.

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by redelio

Wow, thank you for the compliment! That truly made me smile.

You and No-Pro-mwa are right on. I should have contacted Hausermann immediately and I'll try to remember to do that with any vendor in the future instead of sinking into an oblivion of despair and heartbreak. [/drama]

---------- Post added at 01:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:41 PM ----------



Right???

Okay, I'll re-invigorate my research into options in preparation for the winter.

As ES has pointed out, Phal. bellina was a somewhat tough choice. It's among the more finecky of the Phals. As an extreme warm grower, temperatures of 55-60 are going to spell major problems for the plant. Bellina really shouldn't be allowed to go under 65 degrees at night. Further, bellina is a humidity lover, so you want to keep it where it'll get days in the 65 - 70 % range.