Viewing post #776118 by tarev

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Jan 29, 2015 8:29 PM CST
Name: tarev
San Joaquin County, CA (Zone 9b)
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Visually looking at it, the leaves looks dehydrated, though there seems to be a new leaf forming in the middle.
Read through the other thread as recommended then pull out that orchid from the container, get a photo, upload it here, if you have problems assessing how it looks. Typically if there are dead roots, where it appears really brittle brown, then you can cut it off. I still see viable roots from your photo right now, so there is hope for that one. Just needs some repotting and understanding of its cultural needs.

Phal roots are typically thicker, the plant grows monopodial, upright one stem growth, new leaves added in the center alternating. They are noted for having real long blooming times sometimes reaching 6 months, so after it blooms the plant goes on a rest mode to recover its energy. During that time, it will make new roots and leaves. In your orchid's case, I would imagine the media may have gone too stale already or broken down if it has never been replaced before, so will need a repot, to a container with drainage of your choice, it is preferably with side holes to allow more root aeration. That is very important for most orchids, especially Phals. It hates being too soggy wet, needs to breathe. In its natural growing habit, the plant is usually a bit upside down, so even if it rains, the water flows away from the crown. In our home environment, it starts out nicely potted upright, but eventually the plant finds away to bend to the side.

Anyways, I maybe repeating some already stated in the other thread..but be ready with your media replacement. For starters, use orchid bark mix, can easily get it at any big box store or order online if you need to. I usually soak the new media overnight, since it takes awhile for new bark mix to be moisture retentive, then I do the repot the following day. Some do not do it that way, it is a matter of preference at times.

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