Did I situate this phal too low in the pot?

[pinky]

Let me start by saying that I bought this phal at whole foods. it was originally in gnat infested sphag. I repotted it (while in bloom) into the same pot (4 in.) but with a bark mixture. Its been a few days and it seems to be doing ok...(leaves are still a little floppy) but I have not lost any flowers. One of the bottom leaves has turned yellow and falled off. However, I feel as though I may have situated the base of the plant too low in the pot. The roots are buried. Also, the base of the plant seems to be leaning slightly to one side. Is this very bad? I have attached a pic so you guys can see what I have done. This morning I watered it and I decided to remove a little of the bark from the top area because I feel as though it is kind of buried.. Let me know what you think.


and I have another question about another orchid- I have an orchid that I repotted that was in the same situation of the first one. When I originally got it, the spike was straight up in the air, but the base of the plant seemed to be lopsided. When I repotted it, I made it so the base is now straight up and down and centered in the pot, however the spike is now going off sideways. Is this ok?? Thanks!

[-k-]

Hello pinky!
Yes I think it may be potted a bit low, I pot mine where the crown is slightly above the pot line. This way it does not get wet during watering which could cause it to rot.

I also use primarily a bark/coir mix for my phals, though for ones I pick up that were potted in sphag I will also mix in some fresh sphag with the bark mix. I find the phals respond better since the transition isn't as dramatic and helps hold a little extra moisture.

The spike on your other plant is probably just adjusting to it's new location, so nothing to really worry about there
I do not stake some of my phal spikes but rotate the plant around so the spike grows in the direction I want

[LouisW]

Phal looks good to me. I don't think you have to worry about leaning; plants will be plants. They don't grow straight.

As for the other orchid, its hard to tell you how to plant it without knowing what it is. If it is a monopodial orchid like a Vanda or an Angraecum, then yes it should be planted vertically. If it is more like an Oncidium or a Cattleya, then the rhizome should be horozontal and sitting on top of the media. Also, "centered" isnt usually the best way to position a plant like a Catt or an Onc. They grow from specific points called leads, which means they should be positioned so that the leads have the most room to grow. I know it would better to show you but I don't have any pictures right now.

It sounds like you probably have an Onc. in which case your description does not sound like it is potted correctly. Perhaps you can show a photo or give us a name?

[-k-]

[QUOTE=LouisW;201468]
As for the other orchid, its hard to tell you how to plant it without knowing what it is. QUOTE]

LouisW observation is a good one, and I should probably have more than one cup of coffee before answering some questions.

[pinky]

Originally Posted by LouisW

As for the other orchid, its hard to tell you how to plant it without knowing what it is.

sorry! its another phal..i should also have one more cup of coffee before asking questions!!

[LouisW]

Ok, In that case I would plant it just as you have planted on one in this post. You can leave the spike to rebloom but I personally would cut it off for two reasons.

1) pure neatness and convenience.

2)direct energy to root development instead of flower production.