I think my phal is trying to commit suicide - Page 3 - Orchid Board

Neverend · #21 12-02-2007, 11:17 AM

In my opinion, it's either of the following:

1. Dehydration
2. Possible pest attack
3. Root rot/root damage

Check for signs of 2 & 3, if it's not either, it's most likely to be 1, then just increase watering and humidity.

CoolPhrog · #22 12-02-2007, 01:16 PM

I soaked the plant last night for a little while and soaked the bark in boiling water and then (after the bark cooled of course) replanted the phal. I'll keep everyone possted on her progress. Thanx again for all of your help!

mayres · #23 12-03-2007, 01:07 AM

Ross - your plant looks great. Many people have had great success with bark for years and years - no doubt about it. Howeer, Texas A&M has done studies with large populations of orchids showing that 20 percent coarse sphagnum peat and 80 percent fir bark showed vastly improved plant growth compared to fir bark alone. The only commercial phal hybridizer I know of in my area uses a peat based media. Many commercial growers use sphag alone (which I have not had good luck with). I have had EXCELLENT results using my coir mix - I converted all my 35 phals to this July 2006 and they are all doing excellent - about 75% of them currently in spike. It is a little tricky to not overwater - but otherwise is an great media proved by perfect results. I have moved several plants into larger pots this winter and have noted NO root rot and loads of new roots. So....depending upon environment and culture any options will work great including those noted.

mayres · #24 12-03-2007, 01:21 AM

Sorry for the semi-duplication of information I posted - I thought my earlier post was gone but I see now it was on another page.

I think you are on the right track soaking your bark. Good luck! mike

quiltergal · #25 12-03-2007, 05:56 PM

I have purchased from Sky Island Orchids before and I must say while I love their plants I hate their peat based medium. My plants were still wet weeks after original purchase and I finally yanked them out only to discover they were in the beginning stages of root rot.

If I buy from them again I will immediately repot.