Viewing post #1867766 by WillC

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Dec 6, 2018 2:31 PM CST
Name: Will Creed
NYC
Prof. plant consultant & educator
Your Orchids look fine. You may be too focused on the appearance of the roots. Some of the roots have turned dark and are no longer functioning. The lighter colored roots are fine. The roots do not require light nor are they damaged by exposure to light.

Orchid aficionados tend to get a bit bogged down in potting mixes, fertilizers, humidity, and precise watering. However, if you simply want to keep a Phalaenopsis growing and flowering, they are not that difficult.

It does look like yours is in moss that has been kept too damp and lacking in porosity, although it has apparently not affected the health of the plants. I do suggest that you carefully remove most of the moss and replace it with fresh, loose sphagnum moss or fine bark chips. Put them in pots that are smaller than the terra cotta pots in the photo and have a drain hole. You can also leave them as is, but allow the moss to dry out more before adding water and make sure no water collects in the bottom of the container.

Don't worry about the humidity. Phalaenopsis Orchids have proven to do very well in very dry winter home environments without humidifiers, misting or pebble trays.

Provide lots of bright indirect light such as close to a north or east facing window.

Try to relax with and enjoy your Phalaenopsis. They can manage quite a bit of abuse and are not nearly as fragile as commonly believed.
Will Creed
Horticultural Help, NYC
www.HorticulturalHelp.com
Contact me directly at [email protected]
I now have a book available on indoor plant care

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