help with Phals!

[parvs]

I have this fairly new orchid, was told it's a "Phal". I was away for a few days, and when I got back the blooms had all fallen off, the stem was browning and there was white fur-like stuff on the stem. one of the lowers leaves has also started to yellow. the orchid came in a plastic liner placed in a pot. am I supposed to remove it from there?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

YES, remove it from that liner pot. Cut off the flower spike (it is moldy). Treat with fungicide once a week for at least three weeks. If you can, repot this orchid as well. Make sure it gets plenty of air movement around the plant.

cheers,
BD

[Carolla]

What he said!

Also, when you repot it, use a coarse bark and be sure it gets pretty dry between waterings. Be aware that a bark mixture with fine parts in it can compact on the Phals roots and cause them to rot and die... though they are unlikely to be in good shape given the condition of the plant. The outer pot that came with it isn't always the best choice of new pot, but much better than a plastic liner with wet sphagnum moss! You can get clay orchid pots as most home improvement stores and most hardware stores with a decent plant section, they have extra holes along the sides for better air movement and drainage.

Do soak the new bark before you use it, but don't water the plant much (if the roots are mushy and brown you'll have to cut them off too, save any plump white or green ones). You can mist it as long as you have air movement. Fortunately they are pretty tough. You can start with regular watering once it is growing roots - I water every week or so, your conditions may vary.

[parvs]

thank you so much! =)

---------- Post added at 12:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:48 PM ----------

uhmm forgot to ask cut the spike all the way down or just the moldy part? and any fungicide will do or it has to be specifically for orchids? do I spray the leaves too or just the roots(with the fungicide and when watering)? haha I am so confused so many kinds of orchids! =D but all so lovely

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Cut it all the way down, about an inch above the plant. Any fungicide will do, physan is a good one. Spray the entire plant, both sides of the leaves and the potting medium.

cheers,
BD

[parvs]

thanks again! =)

[parvs]

The leaves (yes, ALL of them) just all of a sudden decided to yellow and drop off =(