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  #1  
Old 02-02-2009, 08:05 PM
Ink Ink is offline
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New to orchids, a few questions
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Thank you for the welcome and timely response! I'm glad you were able to identify the plant and dole out some helpful advice. I'll be sure to prune the spike down to the base of the plant. Another question, though, regarding the spike, after it's been pruned down, approximately how long until it begins to regenerate? I'm thrilled the plant isn't dead and look forward to seeing it in full bloom. I'm almost certain the people who cared for it before never re-potted it. I've read that orchids tend to favor something aside from potting soul, like chips. Is there any truth to that and should I consider re-potting it?

Thanks!
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  #2  
Old 02-02-2009, 08:17 PM
greenbean greenbean is offline
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First things first: Do NOT put a phalaenopsis in regular potting soil! They grow in trees as epiphytes in nature, so their roots grow in the little bit of leaf litter or moss that collects around the roots. There are terrestrial orchids that grow on the ground, but even they usually grow in the top layer of fluffy organic matter at the surface.

It is probably a good idea to repot. Most people here repot whenever they get a new orchid, whether they think it needs it or not. You can get more sphagnum moss or you can use fir bark chips, coconut husk chips, or other media. Everyone has their own preferred mixes for their environments, so as you gain experience, you'll learn what works best for you.

The spike looks like it is completely, totally dead. It won't rebloom from that spike, but with proper care and patience it will start growing a new spike. It may take a while, but you'll get there. I rescued a phal much like this one, very underwatered, and it grew another spike a few months after I got it. That one got knocked over and broken by my clumsy brother but it made another spike the next year and bloomed beautifully. Patience is the key.

One more thing, when you water it, let it drain completely. Don't let it sit in a tray of water and don't get water in the center of the leaves. If you do, roll up a thin strip of tissue and wick the water out. Otherwise, you could get crown rot and lose the orchid.

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  #3  
Old 02-02-2009, 09:28 PM
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Judi Judi is online now
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New to orchids, a few questions Female
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Yes, welcome to the board Ink! For my , I agree the spike is dead and needs to be cut off, I also think it is a good idea to repot. Generally all potting medium decays in a year or two, so it seems the phal is overdue for new medium. Personally I have never had good luck with sphagnum moss and I like the bark mix, but that is strictly a matter of use whatever works for you! Here are two good links for how to repot phals: Orchid Repotting Clinic - Phalaenopsis and Easy Orchids - Re Potting A Phalaenopsis . Also as greenbean said, don't let water pool in the center of the phal, and it is a good idea to wipe the water off the leaves especially before evening. Hope this helps, and !
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