| Your plant in lava rock was potted hydroponically. The outer pot holds extra water which is absorbed into the inner pot as needed. I like hydroponic planting for phals, but prefer clay pots with saucers which are easier to control. Since it is now repotted, all your plants will take the same care. While I like hydroponic planting, I do not like the small opening on the top of your pot. It retains moisture longer but also retards air circulation which the roots need.
Phals like to be slightly moist all the time and not dryout for too long. This is why hydroponic planting works so well. The recommendation is to water again just before it dries out (whatever that means).
I am not a fan of misting, feeling it does not do much good, but I do not recommend against it if you like the idea. Water on the air roots is the reason for misting and it is not necessary to get much on the leaves. your bathroom gets great misting whenever you take a shower.
Mostly I think you have new plants and they have to adapt to the different conditions in your home. Your limp leaves sound like stress and a little underwatered as your neighbor said. However, it was probably better for your plant to underwater when you first brought it home. It helps the plant adjust.
Your plants, if they are pot bound, can not retain much water. I get many pot bound plants this time of year and since it is extremely dry this time of year in Florida, I find that I have to water almost daily. Commercial nurseries always water daily. Our orchids are adjusted to it and we have large commercial fans moving air constantly, which helps.
Repotting with your neighbors help will allow more water retention. A loosely potted phal in you home will probably need water only once every 7-10 days, but this is highly variable. Bark mix, sphagnum moss and hydroponic rocks all work. They all require different watering levels. Since you have a neighbor growing phals, I would recommend using her technique. You could compare notes and have second opinons. On site opinions are better than long distance advice even from this forum.
Phals can be repotted anytime even in bloom, which I do often. Since you are new I would recommend waiting until your flowers are done. Any damage to the roots even minor can cause the plant to drop its flowers. When you repot, soak the plant for 15-20 minutes in water first. The roots of a phal are thick and crack easily. Cracked roots can rot. If you are using bark or sphagnum, soak it first. Be gentle but get the new medium all aroudn and over the roots.
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jerry  |