Newbie-Needs-Help!

[Biophiliac]

Hello!
I am a newbie! At first, I wasn't going to sign up for a forum because I thought if I read the directions with my plant and followed them, I'd be in good shape. BOY! Was I wrong!
After a very long day, and a very long week, I came home from work and my husband had gotten me a very beautiful white Phal (?) (still working on the lingo here, obviously.) It was the sweetest thing ever! Up until now I have never had an orchid, nor thought of having an orchid. I was always under the impression that they were fussy plants, and I not having very much of a green thumb, have always shyed away from them. Well, having come to adore this plant, I do not want to screw it up! So basically, I am hoping this is going to be a lovely start of a nice new relationship with you folks! Also.... I need help!
So she has new leaves, all very green, all very sturdy. I figure since it is growing these new leaves, it is doing well. Also, toward the top of the (stalk?) she has a bud. This has been budded for about 2 weeks now, however, it has not bloomed. I keep waiting for it to bloom as a sign that I am doing something right, but it hasn't yet and I'm getting a little worried.
So maybe I should also explain that, as I've said before, I've been following the directions that came with it. It said to provide it 2-3 ice cubes on it's roots 1 time a week. On all the care FAQ's I've read, they say 1) nothing about ice cubes and 2) water with room temp water, sparingly. Also, they say to provide it with a pot that has holes, however, I've kept her in the same pot she came with since I am uneasy about repotting her because I am so unexperienced.
Furthermore: now I've noticed that the roots are squishy! It's almost like they are molded, but I don't see any surface mold or fungus. They are just really sickly looking and when touched, seem to be soft.
I've read about replanting in coconut husk and the pot with holes, so I am planning on doing that. The thought of cutting off the (maybe) molded roots makes me nervous.
What do you think? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated! I'm so attached now-- not to mention addicted-- as I plan on purchasing at least 3 or 4 more! Thanks!

[Filb]

Well, you won't actually be able to post a proper photo until you've made 5 posts. But a picture (of the whole plant) will definitely help us help you.
Here is a link from the American Orchid Society that might give you a bit of direction: AOS | Phalaenopsis.

The ice cube suggestion that they make is generally not helpful to the plant. The cold water can shock the roots, so you're much better off watering with (room temperature) water.
If you're unsure, there is a really good method which uses a skewer inserted into the pot to help you gauge when and how much to water (Skewer use for watering of orchids).

You say the roots are squishy, that probably means it's been over-watered and the roots have rotted. It's a great idea that you've decided to repot, and we all know that it can be a little intimidating.
Generally, when you repot you want to cut off any of those roots that seem brown and mushy (with a sanitized cutting implement--this can be done by holding over an open flame for 10 seconds or so, and let it cool first). A healthy Phalaenopsis root should be green or white and firm.
You also want to choose a pot (or improvised pot--many people use deli containers with holes punched in the sides) that is just barely big enough to fit the roots. Err on the smaller side.

Anyway, hope that isn't too much information. Welcome to the fourm, we are glad to have you!

[Biophiliac]

Thanks for your reply!
I will take a look at that site and I'll try to make 5 posts when I get home from work tonight, so that I can follow up with some pictures!
What kind of store is good for finding things like coconut husk chips?

[VEEKTOR]

Welcome! People on this site love to help! Also tell us a little about the place you have your Orchid growing. Inside or outside? How warm or cold? How much light- direct or filtered? Is it humid? Is there any air movement? These are all things we can adjust for the better to help your new friend.

[Shannara]

Rachel has given some very good advice. I would repot ASAP if there is no drainage in your current pot. A dunking of the roots in hydrogen peroxide might be in order if there is root rot.

As soon as you can post a picture please do. A good shot of the roots and the type of pot and potting medium its currently in will help us help you better.

to the geeks BTW

We hope you stick around and let the orchid bug bite you!

Shann~

[Biophiliac]

Welcome! People on this site love to help! Also tell us a little about the place you have your Orchid growing. Inside or outside? How warm or cold? How much light- direct or filtered? Is it humid? Is there any air movement? These are all things we can adjust for the better to help your new friend.

I'm so glad! As far as the environment it is in, it is my studio. It sits in front of a window which is west facing. I live in Ohio, so as the summer creeps in, things will start getting QUITE humid. It doesn't usually get very cold in our house-- lowest would probably be about 65 degrees (Fahrenheit) and will stays that way seasonally. I open a window in the evening while I am working, so air movement comes in when I do that. Would it be helpful to turn on the fan? The light coming in is as direct as it can be when it comes in through a window. On a sunny day, it can get quite warm in there-- and consequently, probably a little humid.
Thanks for all your help so far! I will post pictures tonight!

[Biophiliac]

Thanks Shann!
The orchid bug has taken out a HUGE chunk. This is a huge step for me, actually! I'm not very good with plants. For instance... I killed an AIR PLANT! can you believe it?! I've also managed to kill one of those "dinosaur plants" which state that they have been around for millions of years and cannot die!
So basically, I am refusing to give up on this! It is too beautiful for words when it is bloomed and I think I'll feel WAY accomplished if I can manage to keep it healthy!

[Emma Grey]

Hi! Welcome. I recently joined too, and I'm learning a lot.

One thing I've learned about my Phals is that a west-facing window is too hot for them (I'm in CA). I moved them to a bright, east-facing window so they get a little direct light in the early morning, and bright indirect light the rest of the day. They seem to love it.

I guess I'd say monitor your Phal and make sure it isn't getting too hot. I think you can tell that it's overheated if the leaves start turning a reddish-green. If I'm wrong someone will come along and correct me shortly, I'm sure.

[syndywindy]

Hi! welcome to the forum. Lot's of knowledgable geeks here to help you and your plant. If this were my plant, I would pull it out of it's pot to see what lies below. Sometimes it is in such a tight ball of moss that ends up being soaking wet that I want to repot it right away. Sometimes for the betterment of the plant, you repot even if their are blooms or buds. I do this without any ill effects. As Flib mentioned, if you have black mushy roots, you need to cut these away and you can dab the cut ends with a bit of cinnamon. If there are no good roots, it will be an uphill battle I'm afraid, but it can be done. So depending on what you find below for me would dtermine how you would proceed. As others have said, pictures would be very helpful in seeing exactly whats going on with your baby.

[Biophiliac]

So good news.. and bad news! I've been learning a lot about my orchid tonight! So, here are some deets: it is actually in bark, and it does have a draining system. There is a pot-in-a-pot kind of system going on, where a clear (deli container like) portion is in a ceramic pot, and the ceramic pot has a ledge that the inside container sits on, allowing the inner portion to drain.

Here are the descriptions of the pictures:
1) shows a nice fat, woody, healthy root plus the roots that I am concerned about. As you can see, they are shriveled, and they are also smushy. But not black.
2) just shows that healthy root and the base of the plant better.
3) shows the bud that I am so proud of!
4) shows the plant in its entirety.
5) shows it in it's location.
6) shows the roots that are deep down in the medium.

So, the good news is, is that from what I can see through the container (pic 6), the roots appear to be bright green and healthy-- so that give me hope. I am guessing that I will still need to cut away the mushy roots, however. Also, my husband says that the windows are actually more SW than West facing.
Thank you all so much for your help/insight/and patience with my orchid and I!

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by Biophiliac

Hello!
I am a newbie! At first, I wasn't going to sign up for a forum because I thought if I read the directions with my plant and followed them, I'd be in good shape. BOY! Was I wrong!.... I've been following the directions that came with it. It said to provide it 2-3 ice cubes on it's roots 1 time a week.

(Said like Jamie on Mythbusters) 'll THERE'S yer problem.
The fault is not yours, it's the instructions you were given with the plant. Many people have come on the forum here asking about the "ice cube" orchids. Check out these threads about ice cube watering:
Orchid Mythbusting (post #6)
"Just Add Ice" questions
http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/gen...t-add-ice.html (look at post #2 for about half a dozen more threads on this topic).

Also read the phlaenopsis culture sheet on this forum (a culture sheet is a list of growing conditions and instructions) or from the AOS AOS | Members Only Area. If you have any questions please let us know.

[tangers40]

Originally Posted by Biophiliac

For instance... I killed an AIR PLANT! can you believe it?!

ahahaha, yes i can believe it, because I DID TOO! i think i took the "it doesn't need much water" thing a bit too seriously and it just wasted away. but hey, orchids aren't air plants, so you'll do much better with your orchid!

[katrina]

Welcome fellow Columbus resident!!

Those darned ice cube orchids have gotten a lot of people. I think the marketing behind it is designed to ensure the orchid will die soon after the blooms are finished. Thereby ensuring a steady stream of sales.

You've been given some excellent advice above...following that should help ensure the survival of your new phal.

Welcome to the wonderful world of orchid addiction!

[Biophiliac]

Originally Posted by katrina

Welcome fellow Columbus resident!!
Those darned ice cube orchids have gotten a lot of people. I think the marketing behind it is designed to ensure the orchid will die soon after the blooms are finished. Thereby ensuring a steady stream of sales.

Well hi there! I shouldn't be surprised that a fellow Columbus person has found me! It is a CITY, all! However, I am, and I'm excited you did! And thank you for a nice warm welcome!
The revelation of how the directions work to their benefit hit me on my drive home yesterday! I feel like such a doofus for not checking it before I started!
Thanks again!
Oh, and hey! Perfect timing! Where in Columbus do you find your orchid care stuff? I want to buy coconut husk chips, but I don't even know where to start!

Originally Posted by tangers40

ahahaha, yes i can believe it, because I DID TOO! i think i took the "it doesn't need much water" thing a bit too seriously and it just wasted away. but hey, orchids aren't air plants, so you'll do much better with your orchid!

Hahahaha! Mine MOLDED! I don't think I had it in the right kind of environment. I had it sitting in some rock. I've been looking for another one ever since! I am DETERMINED to not kill any more plants-- I love them so much!




So, just to tie this all up in a bow-- I SHOULD repot, right?
I am going to take sanitized scissors, and cut away the molded roots. Then, I am going to dip them in hydrogen peroxide (do I rinse that away?) and dab cinnamon on the cut.
I am going to get rid of all of the old media, put in rinsed coconut husk chips in the bottom and spread my roots out over the media, and fill in up to the base of the leaves.
Also, how much do I water from now on? I am planning on using the skewer method of watering that I saw posted on this forum, from now on.
Ahh! Alright, if anybody sees any issues with what my plan of attack is, let me know! Thanks again for all the help! I really appreciate it!

[katrina]

Originally Posted by Biophiliac

Oh, and hey! Perfect timing! Where in Columbus do you find your orchid care stuff? I want to buy coconut husk chips, but I don't even know where to start!

Not in Columbus. LOL! I get everything online. The places I buy most of my stuff are...Cal West Tropical, Kelly's Korner and Repotme.
http://www.calwesttropical.com/
Kelley's Korner Orchid Supplies, We offer everything to grow great Orchids!
rePotme Orchid Supplies - Orchid Mix - Orchid Pots - Orchid Care - Orchid Fertilizer


When you get the chc be sure to soak it overnight, drain and repeat this process at least a couple more times to remove the salts.

Oh, and don't feel like a doofus...direction are suppose to be accurate. At least that's what I've always thought. I'd say the REAL doofus is the one who came up w/this...uh...money stealer.

[Biophiliac]

Thanks Kat!
I actually made a post in the potting medium part of the forum, about some potting mix I found-- BetterGro Special Mix for Orchids. I decided to use that just simply because it was readily available and I didn't want to have my girl go without being repotted for one more day!
I do know where to find CHC in Columbus now though! They are available at Indoor Gardens, which when I called the Chantry Drive location, they said they had it available. However, since there was some positive reviews about the BetterGro, I decided not go out of my way after work to get the medium!

I did as I was told in cutting off the smushy roots. It was actually a very sad experience because the roots further down were AMAZING-- just perfect and healthy. I had to cut off 3 good groupings of them once everything was all said and done. I was left with 2 nice healthy roots, so I am hoping that I can salvage her. However, I did notice some black spotchies at the base of the leaves just above the roots. I treated this with hydrogen peroxide, and hope that it will work.

Thanks again for all your help!

[katrina]

Oh darn! If I had known you were under a time crunch...I would've just offered you some for your repot. God knows I have plenty on hand. Sorry I missed the other thread.

As for the Better Grow...I used it when I first started...you should be fine w/that. The BG is a bit hard to wet at first so watch for dehydration...might need watered a bit more initially.

[orchids4me]

I too had gotten one of those ice cube Phals last year but I knew better....ice cubes are for foo foo drinks not foo foo flowers tepid room temp water is for tropical plants not tropical drinks
Welcome aboard!