How often should I water small Phals?

[The Mutant]

Hello, it's me again. Long time no see, eh?

I've another beginner's question for you. I have four young Phals (they're all equestris) that are planted in small pots. I believe they were re-potted before they were sent to me since the media looks very fresh and doesn't hold moisture that well.

The thing is it hasn't even been a week since I watered them, but they're already perfectly dry - the roots are silvery green and the media's completely dry. Should I water them despite it being less than a week since I did? I don't want to kill them by over-watering them since these are my first species Phals...

I put up some photos so you can see how small the pots are. The Phals are all equstris except for the one furthest to the left, which is my primary hybrid Phal Wiganiae and it's only there for size reference. It's planted in a "normal" sized pot (12cm or 4.7").

[orchid623]

Silver roots = dry roots, watering time!

[Gage]

I agree, if the roots are silver it's time to water. As you can see that timing is different depending on several variables. Just remember that all Phals don't have the same watering needs. I have some Phals that are fine with drying out completely, where all the roots are silvery. I have other Phals whose leaves start to show limpness if I let them get that dry. So watch your individual plants and see how they respond. But you are right to be wary of overwatering... when in doubt, don't water.

[The Mutant]

Alright, I'll give the little ones some water then, thanks for your answers.

I think it'll take me some time to figure out how often they want water since I'm not used to have such small Phals. So far none of my older Phals get limp when they are as dry as this, but since I haven't had these new ones that long I don't know how they work just yet. Well, time will show I suppose and hopefully without any Phals paying with their lives.

[Gage]

Originally Posted by The Mutant

Alright, I'll give the little ones some water then, thanks for your answers.

I think it'll take me some time to figure out how often they want water since I'm not used to have such small Phals. So far none of my older Phals get limp when they are as dry as this, but since I haven't had these new ones that long I don't know how they work just yet. Well, time will show I suppose and hopefully without any Phals paying with their lives.

Sounds like a good plan. Sometimes wilting isn't enough to see, so when I'm establishing a routine I just give each leaf a gentle squeeze to see if they are firm or if there is any softness. Softness would mean I let them dry out a bit too much, visible wilting would indicate them drying out way too much.

[Merlyn]

Small seedling size plants will dry out faster than a larger established plant in a bigger pot. You have to have different watering schedules rather than a "one size fits all" routine ! The only time that kind of routine works is if ALL your plants are the same AND the same size !!!

[The Mutant]

Exactly what I was thinking, but I had to make sure first, better safe than sorry.

I only have Phals but I've never had such lill' ones before so I'm a bit worried I'll kill them. To be honest, I think I'll re-pot the smallest of them (a.k.a. Tiny Tim) despite it not having that many roots. This because I keep knocking it over! I believe it's better for it to be in a too big but stable pot compared to a perfect fit size-wise but extremely unstable one. Sometimes I feel that all it takes is me looking at it for too long for the little Phal equestris to topple over.

[Bud]

The little ones are used to flasking and its a moist 24/7 environment...it is in a dry new media so that will take some time to retain water...
you have to find your watering regimen and fertilizing weekly weakly ...
also take into consideration its winter and your indoor environment is also dry...
unless you have a humidifier...if not do the pebbles and water humidity tray...and listen to your instincts...silver or white roots means dry...the moist roots are green...

[Gage]

Maybe try putting the topsy turvy one down in a clay pot for stability. If you pot it up too large the roots will rot.

[The Mutant]

I don't know what conditions the small ones have had before coming to me, but I think they've been in their pots for a period of time anyway. Maybe a month or so?
I water my Phals weakly weekly with fertilizer since I would probably forget to give them fertilizer otherwise.

Hmm... Maybe not a clay pot since I want the roots to have as much light as possible, but I can put it in a small glass. Thank you for giving me the idea!