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Apr 18, 2016 10:28 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Lisa Olson
Washington DC (Zone 7a)
Leaves on my Phal are dull and droopy. Seems healthy, given it has small buds on top.You can also see start of either a new stem or root, middle photo, near base. Are droopy leaves of concern?
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Avatar for AlyssaBlue
Apr 18, 2016 10:44 AM CST
Ohio (Zone 5b)
Plant Identifier
What exactly is it potted in- the original media that came with the orchid?
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Apr 18, 2016 10:45 AM CST
Name: Lin Vosbury
Sebastian, Florida (Zone 10a)

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Hi Lisa, I had issues growing Phalaenopsis for a long time until I read that they need to be watered more often than other types of orchids, due to the fact that they don't have storage "bulbs" to hold moisture as other types of orchids do. It looks like your Phal is planted in a bark mix, which is fast draining and allows good air circulation but it also helps the roots to dry out very quickly so your plant may be in need of moisture. Here are a couple of bulletins from the American Orchid Society regarding Phalenopsis culture and care:
http://www.aos.org/orchids/cul...
http://www.aos.org/orchids/cul...
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Apr 18, 2016 2:36 PM CST
Name: Elaine
Sarasota, Fl
The one constant in life is change
Amaryllis Tropicals Multi-Region Gardener Orchids Master Gardener: Florida Irises
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Phals are also "divas" in my opinion. If you change their location, temperature, light level or any other major factor, they will do that shriveling and pouting routine. Mine have always recovered from that. They do like to be watered regularly, but they also must be let to dry out between waterings, so be careful of that. Yours has good color and nice big leaves.

I'd advise you first pull the plant out of the pot and check on the status of the roots. If there are a lot of brown, dry or rotted roots, trim them off and then re-pot in some new bark mix. The directions on the package (you can get it at HD or Lowe's) are very good. White roots or any that are firm and green are healthy. Too many rotting roots in the pot means you've kept it a little too wet. If you leave the rotting material in there, it breaks down and retains more water which compounds the problem.

After you do this, just mist the leaves every day or two with plain water. If your water is hard and you start to see white deposits on the leaves, try using rain water if you can. Rain water is the best thing for orchids.
Elaine

"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." –Winston Churchill
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Apr 18, 2016 4:51 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Lisa Olson
Washington DC (Zone 7a)
Hey, could sing an aria, see if diva responds.
Shall check on roots. Thanks for advice.
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Apr 18, 2016 5:02 PM CST
Name: Elaine
Sarasota, Fl
The one constant in life is change
Amaryllis Tropicals Multi-Region Gardener Orchids Master Gardener: Florida Irises
Herbs Region: Florida Vegetable Grower Daylilies Birds Cat Lover
Hilarious! Yep, you could try that, too.
Elaine

"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." –Winston Churchill
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Apr 18, 2016 5:24 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Lisa Olson
Washington DC (Zone 7a)
My voice? Aria? Kill that diva fer sure.
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Apr 18, 2016 5:27 PM CST
Name: Daisy I
Reno, Nv (Zone 6b)
Not all who wander are lost
Garden Sages Plant Identifier
Healthy roots are fat and bright green but I suspect you will find that there are no roots down there. The top of the plant will last quite awhile without any roots. Your plant looks like a classic case of that.

Sorry! Crying

Daisy
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming...."WOW What a Ride!!" -Mark Frost

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