New - Gift rec., think it's a Phalaenopsis, trying to keep it alive :)

[junkgrits]

Hello all!

My wife received a beautiful orchid in bloom back in April 2008 as a gift. Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures of with blooms, but after having scoured the web a bit, I think it is a Phalaenopsis of some type. In fact, the blooms that existed looked extremely similar to the ones in the "OrchdGeeks.com" header image at the top of the forum (white with slight purple/yellow center). After about a month, the blooms fell off, and the spikes started to turn brownish white (over time). My wife, who has a green thumb - but has no experience with orchids, assumed that the plant was dying, and having heard that orchids were difficult to care for, discarded it. One day after returning from work, I noticed the orchid had been moved from its usual hangout, and found it in the trash can!!

So my curiosity began. How could I do right by this poor orchid? I pulled it out of the trash can, as I was not convinced that the poor thing had seen its final days. I read the usual pointers found on just about every orchid website on care (watering, medium, humidity, light, etc.). At the time it had 4 very green, meaty leaves that appeared (at least in the eye of this total novice) to be healthy, and 1 deteriorated, brown, dry leaf, which I cut off at its base. The plant had two bare spikes that were each about 18 inches long, and I cut them down. I moved the plant from an island in the kitchen where it a good bit of received florescent light to a location receiving about 2-4 hours of early morning sun. and began to very lightly water about every 7-10 days. Time wise, this resurrection occurred probably around late May or early June.

Things seem to have been moving along okay after the resurrection. I could see no deterioration of any sort, so I figured that was a good sign. The appearance of spikes, roots (it has had some roots overhanging the surface of the medium since we got it), and leaves remained pretty much unchanged. But then about 3 weeks ago, I noticed a new leaf budding from the core! This would be (new) leaf number 5. And just this past week, another leaf is budding -- leaf number 6. I knew this plant wasn't dead!

As you can imagine, I'm pretty excited. I've attached some photos of its current condition, and I have some questions.

1) Notice the "overflowing" roots that hang out above the surface. Is that normal? Should they be out? Does this mean repotting is appropriate?

2) The spikes "look dead". They are white-brownish and remind me of mini-dried bamboo in texture and presence. What should I do with these, if anything (cut them down, leave them alone, etc.)

3) In image IMG_2533, IMG_2534, and IMG_2535, notice the moist medium in the bottom 1/3 of the pot. I admit that the last time I watered, about 4-5 days ago, I think I may have put a little too much water in there. But I'm not sure really what amount of water I *should* be applying. I'm not sure if the images convey the moist roots that are at the bottom of the pot. In the past, these looked dry. I've read that a crucial point is to ensure that roots do not stay saturated for fear of rotting. Is that correct? And, if you can judge by the picture, do these moist roots look like they are in danger? And if so, what would be the best remedy, here? Note that there is no standing water in the plastic pot (nor the terracotta pot that the pot shown here normally resides in). But there is a small amount of condensation on the inside of the plastic pot in the lower 1/4 or so of the pot.

4) Does this plant look like it needs to be repotted?

Any education or help would be *much* appreciated!!

Thanks!!

[jay]

Hello and welcome to the forum. That orchid is certainly not dead, but alive and doing well.

First I will try to answer some of your questions.

1. Those are called aerial roots. This is normal. Don't cut anything that is green.

2. If the spikes are brown, cut them down. They won't hurt the plant, but I usually get them out of the way.

3. Does the pot have drainage holes in the bottom. If not, then you definitely want to repot it. Phals grow on the side of trees in nature and do not do well in sitting water. If it is just moisture from a recent watering, but not standing, then it should be ok. Take a look at this thread for more suggestions on watering.

Skewer use for watering of orchids

4. As for repotting, it is usually best to do it after blooming since that is when the plant will be growing new leaves and new roots. The roots in that pot look great. I would wait and see what others think about the repot.


If you could do one thing for us and update your profile to include your location it will really help with giving advice. We are from all over the world with very different growing conditions and it will help to know what you are working with. This will help to know where to suggest to place your orchid so that it will grow the best and flower again next year for you.

[switchblade]

I am a newbie too. I have 6 orchids on my virgining collection. I have always been fascinated about orchids since I was a child, but always seemed to kill them. This is a great site to receive info from and I try to learn all I can. Taking care of orchids is easy, u just have to take precautions with over watering and watering at the wrong time. Water orchids in the early morning to avoid rot that develops when water sits on leaves or around roots. The key is to allow the medium(in ur case the sphag moss in container) to dry out completely then water. It should be easier for you since the container is translucent. The pic shows moisture so wait for it to dry out. when dry the roots become white instead of green. I must congratulate u for ur rescue and u have done a great job!!! The plant seems to be very healthy. The this about Phals like ur's is that they are prone to crown rot!!! Make sure to avoid getting water in the crown9the part where all the leaves grow from.) the way this orchid is shaped if moisture does not dry out quickly it will sit in the little pocket/crown. CROWN ROT KILLS THIS TYPE OF ORCHID VERY QUICKLY WITHIN DAYS. WARN WIFE IN JUST IN CASE. I DONT LET ANYBODY TOUCH MINE AND THEY GET A FIRM WARNING. THIS IS ONE OF THE EASIEST ORCHIDS TO GROWWW!!! AND NEXT TIME U SHOULD TRY TO REBLOOM THIS ORCHID!

[switchblade]

Jay I think a repot would be great. These have a tendency to outgrow the pot and topple over don't they?

[junkgrits]

Guys,

Thanks for the quick responses. I've updated my location in my profile (North Carolina).

Jay - thanks for the watering reference. I think I'll take up the skewer "gauge" tip.

Yes - the bottom of the plastic pot has holes.

One follow-up question regarding the spikes: How far should I cut them down?

Thanks, again, to all for your time and attention!!

[jay]

I cut spikes close to the base. Just be careful not to cut the base. Also make sure you use a clean blade or heat sterilized scissors.

[brookn]

I would say it's close to needing a repot. Phals don't mind a repot, and will reward you with even more new growth. Just be sure to cut any dead or mushy roots, sterilize whatever you use to cut them, make sure to check in the very center of the roots,and only put it into a pot slightly larger about 1/2 inch around the roots. It looks great, and it is quite healthy. Welcome and congratulations.