Is Spraying the leaves good for Phalaenopsis?

[sina149]

Hi Everyone.
I would like to know whether is it recommended to spray the leaves of a Phalaenopsis orchid?
Please provide the details...
THANK YOU

[kmarch]

It depends on your cultural conditions. There's no absolute "yes" or "no" answer to this question.

If your temperatures are too cool then misting the leaves is not recommended. If your temps are warm in the day but cooll at night, misting may be ok if done in the morning making sure the leaves are dry by night.

Probably more importantly, if your phal has enough humidity and is watered according to its needs, then misting is probably not necessary.

[mehitabel]

If you are concerned about humidity for the leaves, think about setting them on a humidity tray. This is merely a tray full of water, with pebbles or or a wire or plastic grid to hold the orchid roots above the water. This increases the humidity at leaf level.

Grouping plants also increases the humidity around them.

[Anton]

I do, but make doubly sure that the crown is dry afterwards.

I have a soft cloth just for that purpose, and wipe excess water that looks like it will bead, away from the crown area, and just leave a slightly damp surface on the leaves.

[phalaephila]

I live in a dry climate (Nevada), and do not mist any parts of my phalaenopsis plants regularly. In the past I have lost orchids to crown rot, and prefer not to take the risk.

Jeanne

[orchidlover55]

Jeanne I agree, I was spraying mine also and trying to be real careful not to let water stand in the crown but I missed one accidently . I went into my G/H this morning and I had one with crown rot . I cut off the part that was rotten and I had a little of the orchid left I hope it survives. I think I will restrain myself from the water

[mayres]

Like many subjects having to do with orchids - we all have different growing conditions and live in different corners of the world. What works for some doesn't work at all for others. You have to take what everyone says with a grain of salt and determine what is best for YOUR situation.
I frequently wet my phals down comletely - I don't know that it does a whole lot of good for the plants, but makes ME feel like I'm doing them some good. I make NO effort to get water out of the crowns and have never had a problem. With that said, I only do it early in the morning with warming temperatures and with really good air movement. I also am doing it in a house environment with only fair humidity.
The concept of using pebble trays and crowding your plants together is the BEST idea - to the best of my ability to measure with an inexpensive hygrometer, it appears that this can increase the humidity in the vicinity of the plants about 10% or so (?).

[Ron]

would like to know whether is it recommended to spray the leaves of a Phalaenopsis orchid?
Please provide the details...

Question 1;
Why do you need (?) to mist, is it in place of watering or just to freshen them up on very hot days.
If for watering purposes, waste of time.

On hot days, properly cause more damage through burn/scalds that it is worth.
On cold wet cloudy days I leave them alone, they can go for a week or two without being watered.
In summer, I water all plants overhead without any problems, best done in the morning before it gets too hot and avoid doing in the afternoon or evening. They must have dry leaves before nightfall to avoid fungal problems. (our summer can and does often reach 100 to 110 F)
I run misting systems in summer to build and keep up the humidity.
Best of luck
Ron

[Stelios]

i think in nature there is a thing called rain and with most of the orchids growing in rainforests high humidity and rain is something they like.
I am misting them a lot of times daily (not only phals but every orchid i have) and so long no damage has been done. I mist them everytime i pass by and i keep adding wter in the humidity trays. When i water them i either spent half an hour (or more) spraying them with a spray bottle while they are soaking or every now and then i put them in the bathtub and use the shower to wash them well (as i water them with pond water that is ritch in nitrates from the fishes, every 3-4 watering i use tap water to flush any traces of nutrients that might built up).
I also use a special mix for leaves care that my aunt advised me so when flushed in the bathtub with tap water i spray the leaves care mix let them sit for 15 mins and then wash them well again.
The important thing is that they have good drainage and they are dried before evening. During winter i do the same but not so frequent and usually on warmer days.

[articuno75]

I have to ask for details. Are you spraying for bugs or are you spraying for moisture (misting)?

It has to my blonde tips coming through. Need more coffee......

[Stelios]

I am misting for moisture a few times a day. (usually only once during winter)
I am heavily spraying them for the same time they are soaking when i water them to simulate light rain. (pond water)
I use the shower head to stimulate heavy rain and get rid of built up salts in the medium at the same time. (tap water)
I spray with a special mix i make once a month so the leaves are so healthy (special mix)
no pests so far to treat, no mold etc.

[LouisW]

Originally Posted by Stelios

i think in nature there is a thing called rain and with most of the orchids growing in rainforests high humidity and rain is something they like.

This is quite right Stelios but dont forget that in nature Phals grow off the side of rocks and trees. The crown points downward so there is no place in which water can gather.

Here are some problems with misting:
-Droplets sitting on leaves create a magnifying glass effect and can bun the leaves if the sun is hot enough.
-Water sitting in the crown can can create a bacteria-friendly environment which may cause rot.
-putting water on the leaves is not the same as providing humidity.
-if you have hard water it may leave water spots which will need to be wiped off at some point.

Some Benefits:
-fine cool mist can cool down the leaves in the hot times of day.
-can reduce water loss through leaves.
-can give exposed roots a little drink.
-can provide foliar feed if you add a little fertilizer or worm tea.
-can clean the dust and other things off leaves which may block light or clog veins.

If you mist in the morning or you never have direct sun on the leaves of your Phal then you should be able to avoid any burn. Just make sure there is no water sitting in the crown for any amount of time (overnight). So if you take a few precautions you shouldn't have any problems.

That said I dont think its necessary to mist. If you can raise your humidity that always helps (up a certain pint). I have the lower end of 15-25 humidity at most times and my Phals seem to be growing well (even their exposed roots are able to grow).

[evagentry]

If you have dry air where you live, you can mist and it won't hurt your plants as long as they are dry by dark. If you live where it is more humid, don't mist, it causes rot. This lessonwas learned the hard way!