Baby Phals looking rough
Several months ago I bought several baby phals. When I got them, they only had an average of 2 very small leaves (about 3-4 inches in length) and on average around 4-5 roots that were also only around 4 inches long. I figured it would be awhile before they were able to bloom. Several of them have grown a new leaf, but in the process, the original two leaves have shriveled up. They are potted in an orchid mix and in very small clay pots since they are very small. For awhile, I had them in an east facing window, but since some of the leaves were shrivelling, I though maybe it was too much sun, and moved them back from the window. After I moved them, they didn't seem to get any better. I water them once a week and if they look too dry I mist them. I use a 20-20-20 fertilizer about once a month. Since they are small, I can observe the roots pretty easily. Some of the roots have shriveled up, some look fairly healthy, but some look like they might have rotted. I'm obviously not watering them correctly, but I can't figure out if I'm underwatering or overwatering, or maybe I should give less water but more frequently?? I've tried to water them more, or water them less, but since the plants are so small I have little room for error, and haven't been able to stick with watering more or less out of fear that I'll just kill them. They are kept indoors, and the average temp is around 75 F during the day and about 72 F at night. I know having such a narrow range of temp will hinder blooming, but right now I'm more concerned with them growing and becoming healthy. Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks!!!
|