limp/dark/wrinkly phal leaves
 

I started collecting orchids this summer. I currently have 4. My newest is in great health, but I have a few who I am a little worried about. They still have flowers (although many have dropped) and there are little buds where new ones are coming. I am worried about their leaves. They are very dark, darker than when I got them, and wrinkly. I have them in a South facing window (the only window option I currently have). I water once every 8 or 9 days. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Darker color is probably due to not enough light. Can you suppliment? Have you checked the roots of the plants? You may have some rot.

Thats another concern I had! I re-potted two of my plants before I did enough reading, and put them directly into a ceremic orchid pot, without being in a clear plastic pot at all. So unless I re-pot again, which would be the 2nd time in about 3 months, I can't see the roots :( . The other one that I haven't repotted yet...the one in the 2nd picture...seems to have good looking roots. I wonder if its time to re-pot that one though because of the large amount of roots growing out of the top

A glazed pot though pretty does not allow for air circulation for the roots, which they need. Also, there can be toxins in the glaze that can harm the plant. I wouldn't worry about repotting again, you are going to want to get rid of bad roots if you do have rot going on. I have one that has been repotted 4 times this year as I try to save it. Others have done fine all year.

Oh good to know! I will have to swing by the store and get some plastic pots. Should I repot the one that has all of the exposed roots? I know a few exposed roots are fine, but there are quite a few at this point. I don't want the plant to be too squashed. Why would the leaves be wrinkled? Does it have to do with watering?

Wrinkled leaves= dehydration. Either you are not watering enough, the roots are not soaking up enough water or the humidity is too low.

What are your plants potted in? It does not look like a very "airy" mix.
Joann

I think you need to take a look at the roots. As Joann said wrinkled leaves = dehydration but the other reason could be overwatering causing root rot which means it can't draw up enough water due to not enough roots. If that's the case then increasing the water will not help (possibly just cause more rot).

Did the ceramic pots have holes in the bottom? I've seen things sold as 'orchid pots' which didn't... making them total unsuitable for potting orchids directly into them.

I have them potted in the miracle grow orchid mix. Also, I can't seem to find clear pots in any of the stores so I suppose I will have to order some. I am pretty cautious about overwattering out of fear of root rot, so I have probably been under-wattering. The ceramic pots do have drainage in the bottom. There are air holes on the sides of the pots and at the bottom there is a drainage area with an attached saucer type thing to catch any excess water which I dump out if it pools at all so the plants aren't sitting in it. I researched and found an orchid society that conveniently has a meeting tomorrow night so I will take my plants with me!

Great idea. I am sure you will get the info you need there. Just remember that we are all here for ya!

I use the exact same ceramic pots and have for years with no problems whatsoever. I don't even use a clear plastic pot inside of it (maybe I am wrong for not doing so though as I am somewhat of a newbie). That being said, I am aware that the holes do not necessarily give the roots a lot of air movement and thus the medium does not dry out as quickly. I water about every 1 1/2 to 2 weeks as a result. I was not aware that glazed ceramic might have toxins, but again I have never had a problem with any of my plants. I wash the pots very good before using them.

I would try adding light and possibly start using dynagro protekt a little at a time. While the dynagro won't solve the problem, it will help harden your plant against environmental stresses.

Hope I have helped a little. And please, if anyone thinks I am wrong do not hesitate to tell me. Again, newbie here so I am still learning a great deal and appreciate the feedback.