What Causes Smaller Leaves & Stems?
I purchased 6 phal orchids from Wholefoods last spring. They all had double stems and large leaves when I purchased them. Around June I cut the stems bc I thought this would help foliage growth (I have now learned this is debateable). Over the summer all orchids had A LOT of aerial root growth, but all the new leaves were smaller (each orchid grew 3 new leaves over the summer & early autumn). The new leaves grew upright and didn't lay down (see pics). In the fall, each orchid only developed one flower spike. Some are cascading and they are about 25% shorter than last years spikes. Does anyone know what causes a lot of root growth and smaller stems & leaves? I would prefer less root growth and larger leaves & flower spikes.
Here is my culture:
They get 12 hrs full spectrum artificial light daily (about 1k cf), high N Miracle Grow fertilizer, MSU pellets, and I recently started CaliMagic for extra calcium & magnesium. (I just started a new fert regime on 3 orchids). Upon purchasing them, I repotted them in RePotMe Phal mix and put them in plastic pots with airholes. They are watered weekly in their containers with fert mix (I don't remove them to soak) and I spray the top soil and roots mid week with fert mixture.
Last edited by Bloomer001; 12-14-2023 at 05:33 PM..
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