Phrag. Rosalie Dixler -- Help!!!

[phragguy]

I think it looks fine also. I water mine evry 4-5 days that size. I have lots of humiditiy though.
Water just before it dries out.
The moss on the top is growing well,so I would imagine the roots are fine. But I would check.

[Heather]

I agree with checking the roots, especially if the leaves are limp. I would say that is a root problem rather than lack of water. Not all Phrags like wet feet but most do like to be evenly moist. There should be some live greenish roots. If they are all black and mushy, then they have rotted and the plant will struggle.

[Pupka]

Thank you, guys, I will follow your recommendations. I watered it today. I also noticed that in cooler temperature its leaves are much better, much harder to touch. Maybe it just likes cool temps?

Anyway thank you for all your replies. I will wait for a little while, maybe it'll get better after few days, in case it'll get worse I'll definitely check the roots.

[Pupka]

Oops! One more thing came to mind... I've heard that phrags are especially very sencitive to water quality. Is that true? I water mine with water taken from filter built in in my fridge. Is it okay? What kind of water is the best?

[Brooke]

Pupka it sounds like your phrag is getting sufficient moisture now if the leaves are finally getting turgid. Phrags don't like hard water with lots of solids in it. To be on the safe side, use distilled water.

If you do look at the roots, check the roots for firmness. Most of my phrags take on the color of the potting medium and are dark brown. Feel the roots, if firm they are live, if black and hollow, they are dead, trim them away.

Brooke

[Pupka]

Thank you, Brooke, where can I get distilled water?

[dave b]

Plant looks great, but i too would check the roots / mix. There is a new growth emerging, so nows a good time. You wont hurt the plant if you're relatively gentle. Overall plant health is directly proportional to root health. Since phrags get watered so much, the mix does break down quicker, and should be changed yearly. Otherwise root rot will set in.

Intermediate temps suit most phrags well. More light required than with paphs though. Obviously, avoid direct sun on a hot summer day, but they like it bright.

Phrags do like clean water. The filtered water of the fridge should be ok, as long as its not softened. But, if the water comes out cold, then you need to let it warm to room temp before use. Cold shock.

You can get distilled (or sometimes RO) water at the grocery , but watch out for the name brand stuff labeled drinking water. Read the fine print. Some has salts added back in after filtering (only with carbon) for flavor enhancement. You want water filtered by means of distillation or RO only. No addition of salts.

[Pupka]

Thank you, guys, for your help!!!!

[Pupka]

I just wanted to thank you guys again, my phrag is doing very well, its new leaf increased in size and I'm so happy!!!

THANKS!