Just bought more phals - Orchid Board

alannanoelle · #1 03-21-2009, 09:24 PM

I couldn't resist! There was a special promotion, and they had all the colors I wanted on sale!!! They are all beautiful. The yellow one has two spikes on one crown - is this a common occurrence? I have never seen it before!

My question is - would it be wise to plant all of them in the same potting medium, or should I leave them in their separate small pots as they are now? They all have a lot of really long aerial roots.

Thanks for any advice you might have!

(Dual spikes, though they are hard to see in the photo.)

Green!!!

I LOVE these colors.

One of the yellow stems.

Three pots in a planter.

Zoi2 · #2 03-22-2009, 04:48 AM

Such vibrant colors..great choices!!

Dual spikes are pretty common, I've got a first time blooming Brother Sandra Splash that has 3 spikes

As far as repotting, what do the roots look like and what is the current media? I usually wait until the plant finishes blooming before I repot, unless it's potted in sphag.
Joann

RosieC · #3 03-22-2009, 07:59 AM

Great colours

A lot of people advise repotting as soon as you get a Phal home, so as to make sure the roots are in good condition.

You DO risk loosing the flowers though (although you may not). I've never actually dared re-pot straight away and so far I've not had problems, but maybe I've just been lucky.

Sandy4453 · #4 03-22-2009, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alannanoelle

My question is - would it be wise to plant all of them in the same potting medium, or should I leave them in their separate small pots as they are now? They all have a lot of really long aerial roots.

Keep them in their respective pots, not together. You'll have a much better handle on their individual care which is what these need. Keep them in small, clear pots so you're able to see how the roots are growing and if problems occur, much easier to identify which plant needs attention. You want to use pots just big enough to fit all the roots in...keep the pots as small as possible...they don't like too much room.

You chose some beauties. Enjoy!

mehitabel · #5 03-22-2009, 11:52 AM

I'm with Sandy-- I got the impression you were talking about repotting several into one big pot. That is not a good idea, and here's why:

Bigger pots are *deeper*, and deep pots stay wet at the bottom. You are likely to get root rot. Also if one is more vigorous, the less vigorous one is likely to decline.

Sandy's advice about potting is good.

I repot every new plant so they are all in the same (fresh!) medium, and I know how to care for them.

Phals need their medium refreshed often, as they are very susceptible to built-up fertilizer salts. Many phals you buy are in degraded, terrible medium.

alannanoelle · #6 03-22-2009, 02:25 PM

Thanks for the input! From what I can tell, they are potted in sphag moss. They are potted in plastic liners, set inside the green pots. Kind of strange! I think I'll purchase some new clear pots for them. I'm a little afraid to lose my blooms though - hopefully they won't get too stressed out!

mehitabel · #7 03-23-2009, 12:26 AM

It is possible to lose some of the older blooms on soft-type phals. However when the blooms are newer or have a heavier substance, it's less likely.

Frowine says that repotting distress is from incidental dehydration from the medium being too dry.

Since reading that, I've been more alert to the newly repotted ones getting too dry and had better luck with keeping the flowers.

If you pot into bark be sure to pre-soak it for a day or so so that it's moist.