Can this phalaenopsis be saved?

[SouthPark]

Also - does that glass container have drainage holes at the bottom of it? Previously, I assumed you had a 'semi-hydro' setup. So I didn't focus on the once-every-two-weeks watering. On the other hand ----- if it is once per 2 weeks, then the assumption could be that the LECA remained quite wet for most of that time?

So maybe the main points will be ----- potting method, drainage, watering technique, temperature range, lighting level (and lighting duration), and air-movement.

I'm thinking that - assuming temperature for the orchid growing (leaves and roots) and lighting levels are good - and humidity is ok, and if there is gentle air-movement in the growing area ----- and if you use a regular opaque plastic pot plant pot with drainage holes at the bottom (eg. black-coloured plastic plant pot bought from bunnings or somewhere) ----- then your phal can grow nicely, and do very well.

A suitable watering strategy would just be needed, and it's definitely not hard to simply water the media towards the sides of the pot ----- every morning if you want to. I'm thinking ------ to just do/try that ---- the problem(s) previously faced will most likely become gone.

[MJG]

You're making a good effort, with progress, but I think that the glass pot without drainage holes and your watering schedule have been counterproductive.

I agree that you need to get this phal into a new pot with drainage, and water more often. SouthPark suggested an opaque pot. I am a fan of clear plastic pots with drainage holes. That way you can see through the side of the pot what's happening with the roots.

Repotme.com has a variety of clear pots. I like the clear pots with the slots in the sides.

[SouthPark]

Great comment from MJG about see-through pots. They definitely have their benefits - being able to see some nice roots on the sides etc. It is quite a good idea.

If there is light shining through, algae can form/build up. That probably won't have any negative effects for the short term. May not even have any for the long term as well.

A lot of growers do use those slotted clear pots and get excellent results from them. Can certainly try those ones too.

[WaterWitchin]

Agree with estación seca on all counts... you need to water much more often than you are in LECA. I've often used cling wrap over top of one side of the pot and left other side open for watering until your roots get down into the LECA. Helps keep the humidity up and avoids the dry line.

[MJG]

Orchidaus, please disregard my post that recommended moving this to a plastic pot with slots. That would be appropriate for way down the road when you have a healthy root system. ES's and WW's advice is great. Sorry for the confusion.

[Rhonda Svoboda]

Hi,
I've rescued a phal that was in worse condition than yours. Also- its always worth a try. Pot it in an orchid pot (clear pot with slats). Any plant store will have them. Wrap the roots in spaghman moss and keep it damp. This is going to take a long time so be patient.
Its always worth a try and the leaves are relatively healthy so it can photosynthesize.
Good luck!

[WaterWitchin]

That’s an alternative, Rhonda, but only if he chooses to change medium and go to growing in sphag. Right now it’s in LECA, and the presumption is he’s going to grow it in semi hydro. If he chooses to change methods, then there’s not enough root yet to make a difference. If he wants to do semi-hydro, that isn’t a good choice.