New and in need of help with phal

[JJ1031]

Thanks everyone! I will keep you posted on my progress.

Also--is it better to use plastic pots with holes in the bottom, or is it better to get the orchid pots with the holes on the side? I'm not sure which one a phal would prefer?

[Diane]

I've never tried those fancy "orchid" pots... I use 97% plastic and a few clay pots for some really top heavy guys.

[my nhan ngu]

if you have, that's great because it dries faster.
Diane is so right, don't stress them so much unless you want your plant to be on a show.
Since your plants is a Phal, it will do just fine.

[JJ1031]

Hi everyone--I'm watching to make sure that the roots aren't rotting in the peat-based mix my phal was in when I received it. Some of the roots I can see from the top of the plant are a dark-green color. Is this good, or is it an indication that the roots are rotting?

Thanks for your help!

[Diane]

GREEN = Good

BROWN = Bad (also mushy = bad)

[my nhan ngu]

also, green means a lot of moisture, so go light on the watering

[JJ1031]

Okay--so I decided to repot. I felt like maybe the roots were getting a little bit too much moisture. It's actually two plants in one pot---I hope it's okay to keep them together. I repotted in a special phal mix I found at Lowes--I think it's bark, perlite, and charcoal (didn't say on the bag--said it was a special mix for phals). Unfortunately, today my last bloom is folding. It is probably from the stress of repotting---but I really don't know how long the bloom had been there anyway.

My question is this: I have two growths coming out from the lower leaves of both plants. One is longer than the other. They are green and slightly pointed. Are both plants producing spikes---or could these be roots? Both are definitely growing upwards. Odd thing is -- both existing spikes have what looks to be new growth as well. Good sign, or too much growth at once?

Thanks, everyone!

[Diane]

Some roots do grow upwards. The easiest way to tell is to wait till they get a little bigger, spikes will be rounded on the end, sort of like it's wearing a mitten, while roots will be slightly pointed. I don't think you have to worry about too much growth.

[JJ1031]

Great---thanks!