Should I Repot...Again?

[KCOrchid]

I'm a total newbie, and not sure what I'm doing wrong. I have three Phan's, two of them I purchased didn't have flowers or stems. One just has the stem, which is green and about 19 inches long. I purchased them at "Lowes" in June. They were 5.00 a piece, and I thought it would be a great way to learn about caring and growing them.

I'm not sure if I should be looking for branches to sprout from the other two, how long before the one with the branch will show growth, or what. I have them sitting on a heating pad, and they're misted every other day. They're sitting in front of my window that gets very little sun, but a decent portion of light.

Here's the description of the plants:
All three have two - three green leaves varying in length from 6 to 12 inches, and outside of what looks like something has been eating on one of them (the largest leaf, there is evidence about the size of a dime), all three of them are nice, green and seem strong.

I transplanted them into plastic pots about two months ago, following the directions of removing the old moss, setting the plant root into the pot and placing new moss around it - not packing too much or too tight. I thought I may have placed too much water, so I set them on a heating pad to speed up the drying, which I also heard made the roots happy too! A month ago, I watered it with "orchid food" and it's time to do it again.

I see people talking about 'clay pots.' Could this be what I need to do? Should I repot? There is one pot that smells a little 'mossy' if you know what I mean, but I've checked the roots of all three, and they don't look damaged.

KcOrchid

[Vanda lover]

The clear plastic pots allow you to see how the roots are doing. If they are silvery gray, they need water. If they are green, they are moist. Clay pots are ok but will drop the temperature a little in the pot through evaporation. What ever works for you is fine.

[NatalieS]

Your setup sounds just fine. How often do you water, and is there fresh air where you have them? I don't think clay is necessary if you have plenty of fresh air and the moss is drying out within a week.

Pics would be nice!

[KCOrchid]

Originally Posted by NatalieS

Your setup sounds just fine. How often do you water, and is there fresh air where you have them? I don't think clay is necessary if you have plenty of fresh air and the moss is drying out within a week.

Pics would be nice!

Thanks Natalie. I'll pull out my camera this evening and take some photos. I guess as long as the leaves look okay, I'm fine?
I need to check and see how long before growth takes place.

Will post the pics tonight!

[tucker85]

I like plastic pots for phals but you need to be careful with sphagnum moss. The moss should get fairly dry before watering even if you're just misting.

	Mistking Looking for a misting system? Look no further. Automated misting systems from MistKing are used by multitude of plant enthusiasts and are perfect for Orchids. Systems feature run dry pumps, ZipDrip valve, adjustable black nozzles, per second control! Automatically mist one growing shelf or a greenhouse full of Orchids. See MistKing testimonials

[Phalchid]

I've never had luck with repotting phals in sphagnum moss, so, like tucker85 said, you need to be careful the medium is dry before you water. Clear plastic pots allow you to see the condition of the roots.

[AnaLuisM]

I had to take all my phals out of moss because of high humidity here in florida, mines are also from lowes, bought them 2 years ago and the outside roots looked good however the inside roots were in really bad shape. Right now I have 3 mounted, others in the mix they sell for catts and 2 in lava rocks, they all seem to be doing a lot better. Anoher thing when I water I sunk them in a larger container with their food rather than watering from top, I lost a few to rot. Thats has been my experience with phals and regardless what people say that they are easy to grow and as first orchids I say start with catts lol they are way easier

[Daethen]

Don't expect any new growth on the old spikes (stems). It may happen, but don't count on it. When ready to flower they will probably grow new spikes. Spag moss is fine if you don't pack it too tight and let it dry out before watering again.

[rachel17]

Hi
Im from Sydney.I bought Singaporean Dendrobiums two weekago...I repotted these using horticultural charcoal and permilite onl.Is this ok?How many times do I need to water them?I noticed the roots are turning light brown.Is thisa bad sign?Rotting....ND THERR ARE KEIKIS TOO with roots shud I get these off now?I also hang the orchids by the branches of the tree with morning sun...shaded during the hottest period and getting the late afternoon sun.The tree is located at the north side.
Thank you in advance.
Rachel

[Cym Ladye]

On the Beginner Forum, there is a sticky at the top called "The Phal abuse ends here". You might get some additional pointers from reading that.

CL