Over potted phal. Repot again?

[Blooming]

Thank you so much, Roberta! I'll do that. I was also wondering if my orchids are getting too much sun. They're on a west/southwest facing windowsill.

[Roberta]

As long as the plants don't get direct sun, the light they're getting is fine, I think. (you don't want to get "hot spots" that could burn leaves) If the plants are back a little from the window, or there is something filtering the direct sun (a sheer curtain, or a tree outside) then they benefit from the light. That one in moss, get it out into bark sooner rather than later (the moss stays too wet and airless) In the large bark, you can't overwater - the water runs through, and leaves pockets of nice damp air in the spaces between the chunks. Which is exactly what Phals love.

[estación seca]

As Roberta mentioned above, never cut green leaves off an orchid. Wait until they are completely dry and papery, or they fall off on their own.

I wouldn't put a near-rootless Phal with wrinkled leaves into bright light. That will up its water use, and it can hardly supply the water it needs. These things grow well in fairly dark shade. Move it far back from the window and let it get some new roots before gradually moving it into more light.

I have been told most Phals bloom better (more, larger flowers) in shade as opposed to brighter light.

[Roberta]

Another reason to go easy on the light, especially if you're trying to preserve humidity with the plastic bag trick - the bag is sort of a mini-greenhouse, and will tend to hold heat (think "greenhouse effect") If it gets too bright, it will tend to cook. Until it grows some roots, not much need for light, it's not doing a lot of photosynthesis or anything else at the moment. (For photosynthesis to happen, the plant needs light, CO2 and water. If any are missing -
in this case water - not much gong on. It is running on reserves)Treat the patient gently to give it a chance at recovery.

[Blooming]

Thank you so much for the replies!! Very helpful info. I'm gonna move it away from the window now. How long should I keep the ziplock bag?

My other orchid has lots of roots but the leaves are also wrinkly and wilted. Should it also be away from the window?

[Roberta]

On the one that has good roots, I suspect that it needs more water. When you water it, make sure that you soak it well. It also may be too bright where it is, though Phals can take more light than they are given credit for. But more light means it needs more water. What sort of mix is it in? If it is in new bark (giving the air that the roots need) then it also needs to be watered well As for how long you keep it in the bag, you'll have to observe it and see if it is responding. Then you'll be able to judge.

[Blooming]

Thank you! I used the orchid mix I linked to, with the big bark. It feels dry all the time but since I have a tendency to overwater I thought maybe I was doing it again.

How often should I open the ziplock bag and for how long?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Blooming

Thank you! I used the orchid mix I linked to, with the big bark. It feels dry all the time but since I have a tendency to overwater I thought maybe I was doing it again.

How often should I open the ziplock bag and for how long?

You will ave to get a sense of how fast it dries out. Personally, I'd leave the bag open, so that there is air exchange. Watering in general is not mysterious... just do it when it needs it... if the mix is open, you really can't overwater. In nature, Phals get rained on pretty much every day, humidity is 80% or so, their roots are exposed to the air so that they get a wet-dry cycle. That's what you're trying to get as close to as possible.

[Blooming]

Thanks so much for all the info! My three orchids seem to be doing much better!