Dull color of phal leaves

[orkidea]

One of my phals has never had shine on its leaves. Neither are its roots silvery green and plump. It's nothing new, as it looked like that when I got it. It appears to be doing alright as it is growing two new flower spikes off old spikes, 3 seed pods and a brand-new leaf is emerging also. The new leaf is shinier but feels a bit thin to the touch. I repotted the plant in fresh medium-size bark about 3 weeks ago. There were lots of roots (perhaps a bit thin) and no rot. I water it every 1.5 weeks now that it's winter here and every 5-7 days in summer. It's on a humidity tray and I also spray the roots quite regularly. My gut-feeling is that it needs more moisture still. I don't want to start watering it more without first hearing your input. Perhaps I don't need to worry about the color at all. I hope the pictures help.

[bearded orchid]

I've got four phals, two with shiny leaves and two with dull ones. I'm pretty sure it all has to do with their personal genetics. It looks like a healthy plant so keep up the good work

[Brooke]

I agree with Bearded Orchid not all Phal leaves are shiny. All new leaves will be thinner in the beginning and thicken up with age.

Your top roots aren't getting the moisture they need. If this was my plant I would repot and bury the exposed roots. When you repot you want the media to almost touch your bottom leaves so hopefully the new roots will grow into the media. Sometimes they still refuse to do this and they can sometimes be guided into the pot.

Brooke

[orchids4me]

I agree with both replies given above me

[orkidea]

Thanks Brooke and Bearded orchid. To cover the top roots, I need to find a way bigger pot then

[Anton]

Add some Epsom Salts to perk them up at a rate of 5gms (1 teaspoon) per 500 ml water.

This works with all plants who get yellowing of their leaves, it is generally a lack of magnesium.

I generally give my Cyms a dose about a month before benching them, and a second dose 2 weeks before to add a bit more green to their leaves.

[ChryssM]

Anton, every time I see your avatar it cracks me up !!!! Did you get that cat from Alice in Wonderland ??

[orkidea]

Thank you Anton! Very useful piece of info.

[Anton]

Originally Posted by ChryssM

Anton, every time I see your avatar it cracks me up !!!! Did you get that cat from Alice in Wonderland ??

it is Willowbanks ginger cat "Bluey", he is a cheeky cat.

[ChryssM]

Right !! He looks to be very friendly !!!

[ChryssM]

Yes, all Phal leaves are not shiny. Sometimes the normally shiny ones have water marks and/or fert salt marks that dull them up. I get that frequently because I foliar feed all mine so before a show I take the little yellow plastic bottle of "Sicilia" brand lemon juice and soak a paper towel and gently wipe each leaf off, sometimes a second time. Really works and I suppose squeezing real lemons would also but I don't use them or keep any around.