Do you mist aerial roots?

[BunnytheOrchid]

That's basically my question- to mist or not to mist aerial roots. My other two phals do not have significant aerial roots, so I have never misted them. The orchid I just bought, P. Daniella Ter Laak, has lots of them, so now I'm not sure if I should mist those as well. The phal is on a humidity tray, so I know the roots will get some moisture that way, but does anyone mist aerial roots or know that you should? Here are some pictures of the phal. The flowers are very pretty I think I appreciate any and all help!

p.s. The sad daffodils in the background are apparently "dying back" to their bulbs?I let my boyfriend take care of those

[PhalPal]

I wet my aerial roots when I water but I never mist anything unless I am foliar feeding. It's too hard to get only the roots. I would think up in Monterey you would have enough humidity to keep at least most of them healthy.

Disclaimer: I need to tell you that some (30%?) of my aerials dry up. We have such low humidity down here that a few moments of misting won't make the least bit of difference. I wet the medium and aerial roots completely when watering and then leave both ALONE.

[articuno75]

I live here in Indiana and I mist twice a day. My apartment is bone dry. I guess you could say growers preference. Unless you have a plant that demands that extra umph. I have a couple like that.

[psyc1210]

What kind of gravel are you using, if you don't mind me asking? It looks really nice

[BunnytheOrchid]

So it won't hurt the plant to mist the roots? In terms of too much moisture?

psyc1210- The gravel is from my local nursery, and its called "Decorative Rock" Ready to Use, 1 quart bag from Uni-Gro. It also says it's organic, which I find highly amusing, seeing as it's just rock I'm glad you like it!

[janet_a]

just watch not to mist the crown of the plant too much--that needs to stay dry.

i also water the aerials when i water the plant; i spritz everything with worm tea 2x/week too, mostly cuz it's fun.

oh foo. now i remember that i forgot to spritz yesterday. oh well, i'll do it tomorrow am.

[Hummer344]

For rock you can go to the local materials yard and get a big bag of pea gravel. Cheap and also "Organic". LOL

[PhalPal]

I agree with Janeta, just be sure to spare the crown or make sure it will dry quickly. Misting will not hurt your orchid if you keep the crown dry and water is not allowed to sit among the leaves overnight. Sometimes I mist with worm tea just because I want to play and feel like I need to do something with my orchids. It gives me a good chance to really check them out as well. Make sure you have lots of air circulation and mist away if you must!

[janice]

I lose a lot of my aerial roots if I buy a Phal. with them................because I do not have the humidity in the winter (and it always frightens me but they seem to adjust). I have sprayed them but do be careful with the crown and the leaves.........................I have lost Phals due to crowns being wet.

[BunnytheOrchid]

I'll be sure to protect the crown of the plant, but I'll probably need to mist a little bit because I think my apartment gets pretty dry. Thanks for the help everyone!

[Leisurely]

In lieu of misting, just lay a little sphagnum over the roots. It's like mulch for your orchid. You know how much your outdoor plants appreciate a layer of mulch, so does your orchid.