Hi my friend just gave me an orchid. Please help! When should I put in sphag n charcoal (since my other Phal has been a success!) What should I do about the mark on leaf, white thingys in between the leaves and the other thing on the spike (is it a keiki or new spike?) Please let me know ASAP thanks.
The brown spot is nothing, maybe mechanical damage. The white marks are water/fertilizer/mineral spots. The fuzzy white stuff might be insects or the same deposits in concentration. I can't tell from the picture. Hose it off, repot it, isolate it, and watch it for a few weeks. If that fuzzy deposit comes back, treat it with Bayer 3 in 1.
You can repot it now if you like, Phals are generally not too picky about when they are repotted. Looks like it's in a rather large pot, when you repot place it in the smallest pot it will fit in (Phals like to be snug). As to the thing at the end of the spike, it's too soon to tell exactly what it is, but I'm guessing keiki. Time will tell!
__________________ Camille
Completely orchid obsessed and loving every minute of it....
Agree with Dolly. Only other thing I'd suggest is use a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol and dab on the white "thingies" prior to repotting. I'd repot it now.
Picture isn't clear enough to see whether it's forming a secondary spike and/or keiki. Give it a week or so and if you're still not sure, can always take another picture and post.
Good luck!
Edited to add: A lot of quick answering goin' on here.