On Sun, 7 May 2006 13:30:28 +0000, Plantaganet
wrote:


Hi,

Last Wednesday I purchased from a garden centre, a Phalaenopsis that
was crying out for a little TLC. In the 'Bargain Offer' section, it was
reduced in price to 9.99GBP. There are two flower spikes both of which
have all the flowers, the only blemish is a slight nick on one of the
three leaves. After a good soaking in rain water, it already looks much
better. I intend keeping it in my south facing conservatory along with
my Vuylstekeara Cambria 'Plush' that was also in need of tlc when I
bought it last year.

My question, if I manage to keep my Phalaenopsis alive, when can I
expect to see new leaves growing and from what part of the plant do
they grow? Since buying my Vuylstekeara it has romped away, doubling in
size and at the moment growing a new flower spike. Any cultural advice
would be most welcome.

This is my very first posting to GardenBanter, my main horticultural
interest is growing carnivorous plants and hopefully a few orchids in a
conservatory environment.

Plantaganet

While Vuyl. Cambria 'Plush' wants a great deal of light; the Phal is a
low light plant. The amount of light your Vuyl enjoys will sunburn
the Phal. So be careful not to set it in direct sunlight. It would
prefer very short 'dry' periods. But it does not want to be wet all
the time. Check that the mix or moss is actually dry before you
water. IF in doubt, give it another day. Dry is safer than WET.

Generally the Phal likes 'home temp' and is a very good houseplant.
It will grow new leaves centrally (called the crown) keep this area
dry as it is prone to rot if water collects in the center of the leaf
whorl. If the plant needs to recoup you may want to cut the flower
spikes back to the base. The plant will grow new inflorescence next
year to bloom approximately at this time. It will probably take a 10
degree drop between day and night temperature in the fall to cause it
to initiate a blooming cycle. It should have grown at least one leaf
by that time. If it has not, do not allow it to bloom. Feed it any
balanced houseplant fertilizer at 1/2 strength every watering, with a
flush of clear water once a month. When you water allow the water to
contact all the roots so that they turn from silver to green, then
drain. Do not allow water to stand in any container or under the pot
but in contact with the pot.
SuE
http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/main.php