Misting and Leaf Condition on Phals

[bellc]

I have four Phals orchids, all in beautiful partial bloom. I keep them in my bathroom with an eastern exposure and good light.

I started misting the leaves and stalks only about a week ago because we live in a arid desert climate. I wonder now if it's doing more harm than good. Some of the leaves seem a bit limp for the day after watering them, but the have a sturdier feel to them as the day goes along.

One of my Phals came in a lava stone and had one leaf with "wrinkles" on it when I bought it, but the plant is in otherwise magnificent health. Now one of my potted Phals has wrinkles on one leaf that were not there before.

Could it be the misting? Should I stop misting? I've watered once since purchasing them about 10 days ago and the water drained through nicely. Thanks for any help you can give me and my beautiful Phals

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I think you need to get a new, unhandled bamboo skewer for each plant. Place one in each pot, pushed down to the bottom of the pot, and leave it there. When you think it is time to water, pull the skewer first and look at the color. If it looks quite wet, DON'T water. For Phals, the color should be getting close to normal dry color, but not completely. You really have to learn what proper watering is. It is just too easy to over water. Personally, I like misting in a dry climate, and even do so in my greenhouse. BUT, never mist late in the day. The leaves must be dry when the temperature starts to fall. Also, limit your misting so that very little water runs into the pot. Misting is especially good if you have any roots above the mix. A change in firmness of the leaves could be a sign of trouble at the roots. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

[bellc]

Thanks, Cynthia....especially since you understand about the desert climate.

I actually waited over a week after bringing the Phals home before watering and then watered them about a week ago. They came in clear plastic pots with slits on the sides and bottom.

Where do I get a bamboo skewer? Is it better to err on the side of not watering than watering? Until I get the skewer, is there any other way I can tell how they're doing water-wise? I'm afraid to mist them now because the leaves were perfect on those two orchids until I started misting.

The plant that came in the lava container is very hard to assess. It has moss at the top and the plant itself comes out an opening just large enough for the orchid roots, etc. That is the one that had a wrinkly (yet firmish) leaf when I bought it. I appreciate your help as I've fallen in love with these orchids!

[ryan_d_cruz]

Hoping the potting mix is in good condition and especially since you mentioned lava rock, Cynthia's methods is really good, but till you get the bamboo skewers, water the plant atleast once a week, and mist lightly once or twice a day. You can also place the pot in a tray of water, do not sit the pot in the water, you can use pebbles in the tray to keep the pot out of water, this will help improve the humidity around the plant (especially since you r living in arid desert conditions and phals love high humidity), this should help and if you can't find skewers use unfinished bamboo chopsticks.

Ryan

[bellc]

Thanks to both of you! My neighbor came over who is moderately experienced with Phals orchids. She told me I was misting she thought I was misting them too heavily. Even though I misted early in the morning, I was very, very heavy on misting the leaves with quite a bit of water. She mainly thought they needed watering, so we watered them while she was here.

The lava rock was deceiving. Ends up there was a smaller plastic pots with slits inside the lava rock (which had been hidden by all the moss around the hole. She took out the plastic pot and told me the orchid inside was too overgrown for its little pot.

Overall, she felt all the plants needed new potting material. Since they're all flowering now, when when it be safest to repot them? Thanks again.

[jerrymeola]

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.

[Maba]

(Jerry. This is not my thread, but I want to say that I learn something from practically everything you write in this forum. Your long, thorough explanations are so valuable to me. Thank you!)

[bellc]

Thanks....your suggestions have been invaluable. I want to repot them with a good quality fresh orchid potting medium, but believe as you say it's best to wait until they are not flowering.