Anti Fungal while flowering?

[dps62a]

Hey guys and gals,

Long time since I last posted but I bring good news: the first ever flower spike re-grown whilst under my care - woo hoo! I'm a good parent after all . Anyway, myriad questions still on the list. I have a recent store bought that is not due to bloom again for almost another year, so I need to re-pot and see what's going on in there. Moss/algae (?) has grown around its plastic pot, presumably due to an outer decorative pot in which the g.f. bought it - is that bad? Also, what were prevalent on that plant and are now showing up a little on the other two, are brownish looking spots on some of the roots (like a soda was spilled on them). Sign of bad things or the norm? I am thinking of watering with the Schultz Garden Safe Fungicide3 (Neem oil-based) for the next 2-3 waterings, just to be safe. Can I include the prized possession, or do I keep the status quo on it for fear of blasting the spike before it even flowers?

As for the O.G. of the trio, no flower spikes yet, but thanks to the caring advice from those on this site, "he" has come a long way. From literally one, inch-long root, and a crown with two huge, crinkly, floppy leaves that nearly died, it has filled a pot with new roots and has sprouted a few new leaves, albeit the first couple deformed due to lack of roots/light issues. Once its latest new leaf is fullsize, can I sacrifice the war-torn bottom two? I'd hate to think the plant's holding anything else back by still trying to get them healthy. My thought was to trim them off nearest to the base w/ clean utensils and coat the cuts w/ cinnamon powder.

Here as some pics to clear things up. First 2 are O.G., then the brown root ex. and the last is my pride and joy. Thanks in advance and sorry for such a wordy post!

[JoeW]

Hello, Dave. Dr. Yin-Tung Wang is a Texas A&M floriculturist at the Weslaco Center and is a consultant to the orchid industry. I have found the following series of articles on phalaenopsis culture to be quite interesting and very helpful. I believe you will find some answers to your questions here. Joe

https://sharepoint.agriculture.purdu...20Part%201.pdf
https://sharepoint.agriculture.purdu...20Part%202.pdf
https://sharepoint.agriculture.purdu...20Part%203.pdf
http://www.staugorchidsociety.org/up...sis_Part_4.pdf

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Thanks Joe!!

Cheers,
BD

[nyortiga]

Those were very informative articles!! Very helpful!! Thanks so much, Joe!

Nancy

[dps62a]

Thanks for the links Joe - great reference guide. Much appreciated.

That said, I'm looking for more specific replies based on my questions and and pics. BD, any ideas? Should I have posted this in a more general forum in order to open it up to more eyes and opinions?

[JoeW]

I think you newer leaves look great. The older ones looked knocked around a bit but they are like folks over 55, still working hard and still supportive. Air roots do dry out, but it is not clear to me from what I have read as to how much they contribute. The green tips are a sign of general health. My overall impression is neem oil treatment won't hurt and there is no reason to wack any pieces off your plants.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I think you newer leaves look great. The older ones looked knocked around a bit but they are like folks over 55, still working hard and still supportive. Air roots do dry out, but it is not clear to me from what I have read as to how much they contribute. The green tips are a sign of general health. My overall impression is neem oil treatment won't hurt and there is no reason to wack any pieces off your plants.

I agree. The plant looks normal to me.

Cheers,
BD

[dps62a]

Joe & BD, thanks for the reassurance and tips. Always appreciated.