Trying an experiment

[bonginator]

I have two small phals that have not thrived so I decided to do an experiment after reading a bit about s/h.

I ordered Ray's kit and transplanted one of the small phals into a s/h pot 2 weeks ago and have been watering it regularly with some root grow additive and also have a large plastic bag placed over it for the first 2 weeks to keep it humid.

Provided the plants do well, I will compare the growth of the two plants side by side and see which one does better.

So far the transplanted phal seems to be doing very well. It's leaves have started growing longer, it has what appears to be some new leaf growth and the leaves look very thick and green. I did lose one leaf nearest to the pot in the process.

I took pictures at the beginning and plan on taking photos every week or two to monitor progress.

I will post some follow- up pics to show progress (or lack thereof )

This board has been very helpful to learn what to do in my first attempt at s/h.

One question I do have is that I also have some Orchid Fertilizer but have not yet started using it yet when I water. I have just been watering with some KLN root stimulator. When would you start doing that instead of the root growth stimulator?

Cheers!

[bonginator]

Here are photos of the phal immediately after repotting and its sibling phal that did not get repotted.

[bonginator]

Photos of the repotted phal after week 2. Notice the one leaf closest to pot dying off. Otherwise plant appears healthy.

[bonginator]

You can see in these photos the plastic bag over plant for humidity. Will remove it this week since the plant seems to be acclimating well. Still just using root grow as supplement now.

Notice new leaf growth in the middle of plant. Some growth in roots as well but not overly dramatic.

When would you start adding the Orchid fertilizer to the water?

[nenella]

yes,
I agree theres no problem with the browning bottom leaf...
It looks for now as if the one in s/h has it's leaves more 'plumped' out than the one in bark?
Just my as I am not an 'expert'
If it was mine i would try cajoling the roots that are 'not covered'by the medium to grow into it -
by adding medium to the exposed roots so as to cover them ..

[MT-Phal]

that's awesome. i have my kit coming next week, i'm hoping mine adjusts well, too.

[bonginator]

MT-Phal - What is the MT for? Montana? Mountain? I split my time between Boulder, CO and Bozeman, MT.

[secretasiansam]

Originally Posted by bonginator

MT-Phal - What is the MT for? Montana? Mountain? I split my time between Boulder, CO and Bozeman, MT.

hello bonginator, are you in bozeman now? I think we share common interests, being youre on an orchid board and your user name.

[bonginator]

No - not there now. Glad to hear there is another orchid lover growing them in the rocky mtns!

[flyfishdoc]

I moved all my phals to S/H 2 months ago. Almost all of them lost 1-2 leaves on the bottom (you can see some pictures on my other posts). New leaves are sprouting well. On the other hand, the roots have been growing well. The change requires some adjustment on the part of the plant. I used root stimulator for the first watering after transplanting, then began fertilizer the next watering