The right mounting time?
 

Hi, I'd like to ask your opinion if i could mount my phals now, i mean this part of the year, or should i wait until spring? Coz when i bought them i was told to wait but some of the leaves are starting to become thinner and i can't ever check the roots as they are potted in dark pots. I'm quite worried for them. They are going to be placed in a florarium so humidity will be no problem. What should i do, should i wait for spring even given these conditions?

I'm no expert, but I would mount it now. It will give you a chance to look over the roots and clean it up a little. If it's blooming right now, then wait until the blooms are gone then do it. Come spring time they should put out some new roots and start to cling on. Someone else should chime in here sooner or later. Goodluck!

Hi,
At the very least I would check the roots. Try to gently remove the plant from the pot. Squeezing the pots side will help, or rolling the pot
(if round) between your palms.
You could also pop it into a clear pot now.
The condition of the roots and media will tell you whether or not to re-pot or mount.
Not sure what you mean about "thinner" leaves. Could you post a picture?

Thx for the replies, by thinner leaves i mean not so stiff as a healthy strong new leaf should feel like. I will definatelly check on that roots and if i find them ok i will try mounting it.

Leaf condition (if roots are o.k.) might be caused by lack of fert. and/or light.
Anyone else with an idea?

Hi,

If the leaves are leathery and not stiff then it can be not enough light but also that the Phal is not getting enough water. In my experience this is usually a bit of root rot.

Bird song farm has the best suggestion, I would check the roots and then you can tell best what is happening.

If there is some root rot, I would repot it right away and the flowers should be fine. I have experienced that bought orchids are usually potted in spagnum and this doesn't do well with a heavy watering hand. If it is root rot try another medium like bark...

good luck :)

When my Phals act like they are dying., I always mount them to give them one more chance. They seem to be very happy to get out of the pot, they loose a leaf or two and start growing again. If you mount them point the crown down, so no water can set in the crown. They don't seem to mind the leaves getting wet when they are not in a pot. Timing should be ok, you don't have a lot of time to wait.

Thx for the replies! I got them out of the pots immediatelly and mounted all of them. You were right and i was right to worry too, they all had root rots. One of them had not even one good root left :D I don't know about these nurseries I bought them from but to be selling expensive orchids with root rot....
Now they are all fine, none of them died and are sprouting new roots az crazy. It's really a joy to see the new growths ad to be able to save these lovely plants.
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/k...i/DSC00016.jpg

YAY for the roots! :) I'm glad that you managed to save them. What kind of orchids was this?

Thx I'm glad too! They're all phal species.