new phal

[SlipperGirl]

Hi I just got this new phal the leaves look and feel good I have not seen the roots yet but what I can see looks ok. My plan is to cut the flower spikes off and repot it. Give me any tips you can think of.

[Stray59]

Mothorchidgirl:
Wow - what a nice looking phalae" - good color combo and a really healthy plant. Nice snag!!!
If you acre going to cut the flower spike off, you might think about trying to root the nodes - there is a post in Adv. discussion starting out "Method for obtaining 12 plants...."; you could end up with a lot little ones to share!
I think you have a good grip on what to do. The potting mix looks pretty new and the pot appears to be sufficient. Personally, unless you don't like plastic pots, I would leave it in this one for a while longer. The roots look great!
Again - good grab.
Steve
Have a Great New Year

[SlipperGirl]

Originally Posted by Stray59

Mothorchidgirl:
Wow - what a nice looking phalae" - good color combo and a really healthy plant. Nice snag!!!
If you acre going to cut the flower spike off, you might think about trying to root the nodes - there is a post in Adv. discussion starting out "Method for obtaining 12 plants...."; you could end up with a lot little ones to share!
I think you have a good grip on what to do. The potting mix looks pretty new and the pot appears to be sufficient. Personally, unless you don't like plastic pots, I would leave it in this one for a while longer. The roots look great!
Again - good grab.
Steve
Have a Great New Year

Thanks what a great idea I will root the nodes. Dont know why I didnt think of that

[mattryan]

I always re-pot new orchids especially if they are phals. They can handle it and it's always good to see what the roots are like. I think yours look as though they've been overwatered, but it just be they way they look in the picture. They don't look firm to me, especially the ones near the bottom of the pot. Re-potting is also a good chance to get rid of any hitch-hikers that came home with the plant. It is a beautiful plant even though it's flowers have faded. Also with re-potting you can decide if you want to allow the plant to try for a subspike or grow new roots and leaves. Good luck

Cheryl

[SlipperGirl]

Originally Posted by mattryan

I always re-pot new orchids especially if they are phals. They can handle it and it's always good to see what the roots are like. I think yours look as though they've been overwatered, but it just be they way they look in the picture. They don't look firm to me, especially the ones near the bottom of the pot. Re-potting is also a good chance to get rid of any hitch-hikers that came home with the plant. It is a beautiful plant even though it's flowers have faded. Also with re-potting you can decide if you want to allow the plant to try for a subspike or grow new roots and leaves. Good luck

Cheryl

Ya I think it is over watered thats why I want to repot it. thanks for your help

[james mickelso]

The mix looks like it has a lot of fines or broken pieces. I'd opt for a mix that is more coarse. With a more coarse mix you can water more often, getting more nutrients to the roots, and not worry so much about root rot. I would also cut off the spikes all the way. This plant just expended a lot of energy putting out two big spikes. Give it a rest. What flowers you might get will be fewer and won't last as long if these spikes reflower.

[SlipperGirl]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

The mix looks like it has a lot of fines or broken pieces. I'd opt for a mix that is more coarse. With a more coarse mix you can water more often, getting more nutrients to the roots, and not worry so much about root rot. I would also cut off the spikes all the way. This plant just expended a lot of energy putting out two big spikes. Give it a rest. What flowers you might get will be fewer and won't last as long if these spikes reflower.

I am going to cut the flowers off and repot. I took a look at it last night and it looks like it is having bud blast so I really want to look at its roots, thanks for all your help