Phal need East facing windows?

[mehitabel]

Your plant looks good to me, Jennie. Two spikes is a pretty good sign of a healthy plant. One feebs skinny spike might be a sign of a poorly plant, but the spike I see is a fat honking one. A poor plant won't put up a spike like that. And two at once? Something to crow about.

Curled up leaves? Your leaves look normal to me-- all leaves aren't perfect,so I'd say don't worry.

Little green bumps on the roots? root branches, ie new roots forming-- again, a good sign.

Time to quit worrying and start feeling a little smug, I'd say

[janeteagle51]

Hi Jennie

I have the same problem with windows in the UK I just put mine in a South facing window behind a net curtain to shield the leaves. I also have the same problem with spikes doing nothing, can I suggest you cut the spike just above that lower node, as the top will not bloom now, put a touch of cinnamon on the cut and use sterile knife, good luck hope this works for you.

[Jennie]

Alright. I really didn't want to cut it the first time, but now that I did and see the reward, I will cut it all the way down past the node. Thanks!

[Gwenchanter]

It looks like your plant is getting the care it needs and looking a lot better.

As far as the spikes go... I would not put cinnamon on them. Cinnamon is good for leaves and such but I'm afraid that on the spike it would mix with the "sap" and get all gooey and not so good.

What I would do is get a fan going somewhere in your room on low. Remember- phals love humid air that is constantly moving! If you don't have good air movement that's when fungus and rot set in.

[Jennie]

OK! I will go breathe on it!

Just kidding, but I'm so dedicated, I would if it would help! LOL

A fan sounds good.

[Gwenchanter]

Yeah it doesn't have to be too strong of a fan, whatever feels comfortable for you. Air movement or exposure can thwart a lot of fungus and rot.

Actually it used to be believed that talking to your plants would improve their vigor because of the carbon dioxide you breath out, which they do need to grow. However, carbon dioxide is not in short supply and I'm sure they get all they could possibly use out of the ambient air in any moderately ventilated area.

Still, there is something to be said about checking on your orchid plants every day. People who do this grow better plants because they notice problems before they get out of hand.

[Jennie]

I like knowing the scientific reason behind it, but I prefer to believe that talking to your plants is what does it, visiting them, each day. That's nice... and I do! Several times, daily! It does more good for me, than it does them, but who cares? We both benefit!

Since my kids have flown the coop, my orchids are truely my chids!

[Gwenchanter]

Me too! I get stressed out easily and I find that visiting my orchids relaxes me =)

[Jennie]

YOU GUYS! My orchid COULD NOT be more healthy!

Look at that new stalk!

It's beautiful, isn't it?

And I am the proud new Momma of BLOOMS! Soon! Do you see those?

I'm so tickled!

Thank you so much for your help!

[RosieC]

Wonderful news. Be sure to post pics once you have blooms!