Two Troubled Phalaenopsis: Rescue Plan for Both

Two Phalaenopsis: One Abused, One Declining After Bloom

Plant #1 (Abused): Overwatered, oversunned, water in crown → mold, leaf loss. Repotted in regular soil (bad). 6 months later alive but struggling in soil. Fruit flies. Many keikis on spike (no roots). Keiki hormone? Cut dried spike where?

Plant #2 (Better): Bloomed, spike not cut. Suddenly 2 bottom leaves yellow, 1 fell. Canada, office temp dipped low. Roots healthy. Wants clay pot. Repot now or spring? Follow bloom cycle or season?

Plant #1 Rescue

• Repot NOW in orchid bark mix (not spring). Removes fruit fly eggs in old soil.
• Trim dead roots.
• Keikis: leave until 1–2" roots. Apply Rootone paste (Rootone + vaseline) at attachment to stimulate roots.
• Keikis may drain mother, but not ready to separate.
• Dried spike: cut anywhere—aesthetic only.

Plant #2 Rescue

• Yellow bottom leaves = root loss from cold dip (<55°F). Phals hate cold.
• Repot NOW in bark mix (plastic pot better than clay—clay dries too fast).
• Season vs. bloom cycle: Phals repot anytime; spring not required.
• Keep >55°F at night (move from window at night).

Resources

Ontario Orchid Society, "The Orchid Mall" for societies, AOS website for culture sheets.

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