Just under two years ago I bought my Mother-in-Law a Phal, I had only just started to get interested in orchids myself and just thought it would make a good present.
Anyway I brought it back with me the other day to repot for her and I'm due to give it back to her when I see her on Christmas Day. Obviously I want to do the best job I can and give her the best advice I can.
I repotted it today, but my questions relate to it's general health, and really I just want to check that what I am thinking is correct.
First off most of the leaves are cracked like these two. My thought is dehydration, she is likely to underwater as she only water's most house plants ocasionally and has been warned off over-watering orchids. She has an outer decorative pot (with a clear plastic inner pot) which is shaped to ensure it's always well drained. Should I advise she tries to water more often. Do you think I'm right or could there be some other cause.
There appears to be brown residue on the roots. When I rinced them I noticed it colouring the water and starting to rub off. I think it could be iron deposites from the water. Some areas around here have a high level in the tap water. Water filters sold here use charcoal and remove some of this so I think I should advise she uses filtered water. What do you think?
Overall the plant seems healthy and the leaves seem strong. The roots are not the best I've seen but also no where near the worst. There were some dried ones I have cut off but no rotten ones.
Advice on my Mother-in-Law's Phal
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