Phal watering problems

[Myxamatosis]

I have a larger phal. (who i have several posts about) and I am having watering problems. Earlier I was over watering, and then I learned how to use skewers.
The phal is in a ceramic pot with many holes in the side (the pots marketed as 'orchid pots') and is about 7 inches on each side and potted up in large bark, a little bit of fir bark, and charcoal chunks.

The problem I have been having is that the skewers seem to be mostly dry in 3-4 days and completely dry in 4-5 days. Everything always says that they need to be watered 7-10 days. compounding the problem I have a wonderful habit of killing phals so I do not trust my 'gut feeling'

Any suggestions for watering?
I am really good at reading the sticky posts I swear.

WATER is especially critical for phalaenopsis. Because they have no major water-storage organs other than their leaves, they must never completely dry out. Plants should be thoroughly watered and not watered again until nearly dry. In the heat of summer in a dry climate, this may be every other day; in the winter in a cool northern greenhouse, it may be every ten days. Water only in the morning, so that the leaves dry by nightfall, to prevent rot."

[myorchid]

You should water per your conditions. If the skewer is dry in 4-5 days that is when I would water.

[patticake]

I find that orchid pots are great for Catts, etc.- For Phalaenopsis, I use plastic pots. I use a mix of bark, charcoal, and volc. rock- (Schultz mix) I spray the medium every morning. I'm in "dry city" up here in the great northeast.

The trick with skewers is that they tell you when they need watering! If the skewer is dry in 2 days, then water it! If it's dry in five days, then water it! Go by the skewer... It's very smart..

[lmartiny]

While my growing conditions may be much different, I prefer unglazed terra cotta pots or baskets. Baskets may not be practical for you.

[PhalPal]

Sometimes I am just amazed at books that will say such things as 'water every week' without taking into account the medium the orchid is planted in, the climate it grows in, what type of lighting, humidity levels of it's home, and on and on. There are variables to each and every one of our homes; this is what makes 'the skewer' so useful!! Believe in the skewer!!

[Celcat]

When I am having problem with watering an orchid, I repot it in a transparent pot. I find it much easier to see throught the transparent pot when the plant need to be watered. When the medium looks dry and the roots start to turn white and not green anymore, I water them.

Good luck

[mayres]

Are you leaving the skewers in the media for a few minutes before checking? I fine media like coir the moisture will transfer rather quickly, but in large chunks of bark it may take a little longer for your skewers to absorb what moisture is present becuase of little contact points - just a thought. As everyone has been noting, environmental conditions and media types will SIGNIFICANTLY alter watering frequencies - a grower in my area that uses a peat mixture can go over a month this time of year and then the other extreme will be just a few days in a warm low humidity environment with larger sized media. Yes - add me to the list - trust the skewer......

[CharliesAngel51]

I also use skewers. I put them in the pot when I first bring it home or when I re pot , and I leave it there. After I take it out to check for moisture, I try to put it back into the same hole. I like to use clear plastic pots. They are easier to see it the plant still has moisture. I can't always get plastic pots in the size I need so I really rely on the skewers. I was overwatering before I learned to use the skewers causing a lot of rot. Now my orchids are happier.

[PhalPal]

Originally Posted by CharliesAngel51

I also use skewers. I put them in the pot when I first bring it home or when I re pot , and I leave it there. After I take it out to check for moisture, I try to put it back into the same hole.

This is exactly the way I use the skewer also.

[mayres]

Until I learned to tell when mine need watering by weight/lifting the plant up - with visual confirmation in clear pots - "me three"!

[11Orchid126]

Your problem may be the large bark. Medium bark is usually recommended for phals. The large bark is harder to water, as it takes a lot of water to reach the center core of the bark. A normal watering would just wet the outer skin. That's why the skewer is dry so quickly. Large bark is recommended for catts, that love to be watered and then dry out quickly. Medium bark is able to absorb more water and therefore stay damp longer. If you do continue to use the large bark, it must be really soaked with each watering, but be careful, this might be too much for the phals.

And please, what do you mean by "large bark and a little bit of fir bark?" It should all be fir bark.

[nenella]

Originally Posted by PhalPal

This is exactly the way I use the skewer also.

me 4 !
also if I'm not 100% sure I'll leave it an other day..(better to underwater than overwater)
An other thing I have found that it's better to give them a thoroughly good soak for a good 15 mins than just adding water
Voilà ! Good Luck!

[Myxamatosis]

sorry for the late response:
- the media is a pre-made mix i bought at lowes, AOS endorsed for phals.
- I have the skewers in the media at all times, pulling it out when ever I check
- my room is extremely dry due to the heater (my humidifier started growing colorful algae so i stopped using it)
- He was loosing a leaf but the 'death'/yellowing has slowed and has not died and it has been acting funny for months now, so i think it is better-ish
- When i water I fill a sink with water and let it soak in for 15 minutes, once i get a larger bucket I will start using distilled water.

It is in bud atm, when should it start growing roots again?

[lmartiny]

Myxa, I'm not real experienced but it sounds like you are doing the right things from what I have learned here. A good soak, then let it go and check your skewer. It may not put out new roots while trying to bloom. Enjoy your spike and flowers. Thereafter you will likely get some new roots.
Hopefully some one more informed will pipe in with advice.