Help me not kill phal orchid #2

[nicki]

Hi. So over the weekend I received a new orchid Which was great timing cause that day I had planned on treating myself to a new one anyway. I'd like to beat my previous record of 4 months. I'm not having much luck with indoor plants. The "killed" list is growing. I noticed some damage on this one so I'm taking notes The tag only said Phal and didn't give much for care info. It's potted in sphag & styrofoam. Any help is welcome...

[clintdawley]

Google: Phalaenopsis culture

You can also find tips on the site. Those leaf spots look fungal to me and you could probably topically treat only that leaf to stop the infection from spreading. The second picture with the slight slice mark in the leaf is fine. Nice phal and welcome to the forum!

[nicki]

Thanks. I know basic care for each orchid. But when it comes to problems I don't know much. I'll get something to treat the spots. Almost all the leaves have a split down the middle along the 'seam'. What would cause that?

[clintdawley]

Incorrect watering practices. Sometimes, if a Phal gets too dry and then is watered, the leaves plump up quickly and sometimes split.

Thanks. I know basic care for each orchid. But when it comes to problems I don't know much. I'll get something to treat the spots. Almost all the leaves have a split down the middle along the 'seam'. What would cause that?

[nicki]

Couple more questions. So after the blooms die off I should repot and get it out of the sphag? Disinfect the pot. Check roots, cut off non healthy ones. Then go for either a bark mixture or try for SH?
If this plant has a fungus how long should I be treating it for and how long should I keep it away from my other plants? Is it like when taking a prescriped anti-biotic, even if you feel fine continue the meds till they are finished....
So much info on the forum.... I'm little by little looking over the phal section.

[Cjcorner]

Yes, when the blooms are done you can go ahead and repot it. When you get everything off the roots, if for the most part they are healthy, go ahead and repot into spag. as the plant seems to like it. Do an antifungal soak, with physan or something like it. If all else fails a bath in hydrogen peroxide will help as well. If there are brown rotten roots trim them off. Then find a suitable mix...the older/larger the plant, the larger the bark mix you use. If needed you can make your own mix, 1 part bark, 1 part perlite, 1 part charcoal and 1 part peat/canadian moss. After repotting withhold water for at least a week, up to two if you repot with spagnum moss. You can also soak your potting mix with the antifungal if the roots are very bad. Usually, this repotting is only has to be done once a year with Phalaenopsis unless it seems to decline. But you can mix antifungal and systemic insect preparations to your water you water the plants with to help it fight off bacteria, fungus and bugs. You do this type treatment as needed or about every 3 months.
Good Luck
Connie

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Be sure to check out our orchid articles on Phalaenopsis Orchids. Hopefully, they will help!

Here is the main page on Phals: Phalaenopsis Orchid Growing Articles

Cheers,
BD

[nicki]

Thanks Connie, I will follow those steps when the plant is ready.
I printed that page BD. I was going through some Phal threads yesterday but didn't come across that one. Thanks for posting it.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Thanks Connie, I will follow those steps when the plant is ready.
I printed that page BD. I was going through some Phal threads yesterday but didn't come across that one. Thanks for posting it.

No problem, I hope it helps!

Cheers,
BD