Will this Phalaenopsis Orchid grow anymore? & more! Q&A February 2024

[@MissOrchidGirl]

This video is sponsored by rePotme, check them out here go.missorchidgirl.com/repotme108 They also provided products like pots, clips, some of the stakes and fertiliser I used in this video. Watch all episodes of this series here kzbin.info/aero/PLxo6tXzj__mZqM-12FvYZW0wCpfQ8P-Yb

[@lisbethsjostrand5397]

- I just have to tell you that I love it when your birds make a comment... ❤ 😂😂😂

[@centaurea4215]

Neofinetias are my favorite orchids. The first and only one ive owned came in the mail with mealies. I ended up killing it from the amount of things i did to get rid of the mealies. A video on mealybugs would be awesome, im sure a lot of people will be watching that one :) thank you for the interesting content, as always

[@jhndr0nia]

To be more precise, terminal rather refers to the position of the spike. It occurs terminally at the growth axis versus the normal case of lateral spikes. It doesn‘t refer to the resulting termination of growth of this axis. Even though, this indeed a direct consequence. The biological explanation for is that flowers are per definition shoots with restricted growth, what essentially means that they won‘t produce any leaves or side shots. So regarding a flower spike that produces flowers from almost every node, where new growth could potentially occur, it can‘t grow other structures unless keiki paste is used which messes up the natural phytohormone balance.

[@quiestinliteris]

For mealy bugs, I've used the diluted soap/alcohol/peroxide recipe from the video "Get Rid of Spider Mites" from the channel Fraser Valley Rose Farm. The only pest that hasn't gotten rid of for me is scale. I spritz the plant every day for a week and then every other day for two weeks. I haven't actually treated orchid roots, but I'm sure the mixture drains down onto the roots at least a little, and it hasn't caused any damage for me. Only drawback is that it leaves residue on the leaves that needs to be gently wiped off so as not to impair respiration.

[@denisedavis5267]

Thanks for sharing!

[@RobertaOrchid1]

For the fungus gnats I am trying the mosquito bits. It is a bacteria BT that makes the larvae sick and dies. The dry form as is doesn’t work, but if 4 tablespoons soaked in a gallon of water activates the bacteria. It culled the gnats way back, and if i water with this water for each week for a month should do the trick. I know this doesn’t replace my repotting needs, but helps keep my home bug free 😀

[@abbylim4365]

Thank you for answering my question, Danny! I use reverse osmosis water, and I thought I had reduced the amount of fertilizer enough, but maybe I’ll reduce it even more or stop fertilizing for a while until the roots recover. They seem to keep dying off. Wish me luck!

[@OhSidney]

For mealybugs something that was effective for me was to place the plant outside when it's cold.

[@maryjogallo123]

Thanks!

[@TJJewett]

I'm so glad I saw this video. I have the same terminal spike situation on one of my Phals. It has 3 basal keikis, but they look a lot younger than the one in the picture. I wasn't sure what to do until you answered the other viewer's question.

[@susannahwalsh2153]

I as well have a phaelenopsis that had a terminal spike and has produced a keiki that has produced 2 beautiful spikes of flowers. Also have a basal keiki. Right now she is beautiful and will leave her babies with her. 💚🇨🇦

[@mayastoyanova3020]

Thank you, Danny ❤

[@GreenWitch1]

BTI works wonders on fungus gnats! It’s not available in every country however. In the states some of us use mosquito bits soaked in water. They’re inexpensive and very safe & effective. I soak 2 tbsps in 2 liters of water until they sink. I water with this monthly and I do not have fungus gnats.

[@brucestern1025]

Dani, I'm much smarter because of you. Please excuse this simple question, but I have never heard you say how long after the "cooling-off" period, for phals, one should expect a flower spike? Thanks for the great orchid education.

[@jhndr0nia]

That is very difficult to tell exactly, I think. I assume a couple of weeks or two months

[@eblake3617]

Thank you Danny! ❤❤❤

[@ericavilanova13]

I have had fungus gnats damage roots what I have done is dunk my orchids affected in hydrogen peroxide 3%, if there’s a lot of larva poop I repot fully and I am using aquarium gravel for topping the orchids that stay moist to prevent them from coming back , mosquito bits tea for the plants with soil and sticky traps for the adults and cats help too 😸. That so far has worked for me for gnats. For other pests I always use Danny’s home made insecticide with oil water soap and works amazing

[@AWEdio]

I had mealy bugs, I didn't want to spray my orchids. I bought 99% isopropanol and a very fine paint brush and I sat down and painted each bug I found with alcohol. They were all dead within a week and have never returned.

[@jamieschriver4813]

I love these videos.. super informative.

[@veraliebau1787]

What I found helps with Mealy bugs is to control the ants (if you notice ants around). Ants carry eggs and tiny new Borns to hide outs and there they will grow. If you control the ants maybe you will reduce the spread together with daily physical removal. Try some walk in ant traps! Hope this helps!

[@myfairyterracegarden]

Nice sharing 😊 Good information

[@mwmranch]

For mealies...I've had an infestation twice. I liberally sprayed with 91% alcohol (I know Danny recommends 70%) and put them on the kitchen floor with fans blowing heavily on them. They only take a few minutes to dry, and the alcohol fries those little suckers. I never lost anything from alcohol burns, it dries too fast I think....not sure, but it worked.

[@patpar6208]

My apology for the previous comment as it was intended for an interior designer in yutube. I guess yr video followed her up in my feed. Love your videos, too!

[@anndwandner3664]

Love your red hair ❤

[@lindapierce8941]

Hi Danny, I'm a newcomer to your channel and orchids! Thanks for your videos and advice - I only wish I had seen more of them before I did what I did! I was given a mini phalaenopsis which had been sitting in really wet sphagnum moss. I immediately checked the roots and removed the velamen and cut off the remaining wiry bits😱 I have since watched your video where you say you leave these wiry bits! I then saw your video about ICU so I have now put the orchid in sphagnum moss in a plastic tray. There is only one healthy root but there is another one starting! Do you think I have totally killed it off now or can it survive this? Thanks again for your videos.🙂

[@anjalim1768]

My Phal Timothy Christopher x Phal Amabilis has a healthy keiki too but no roots. Mother plant looks good!

[@jhndr0nia]

Usually Pinguicula species or hybrids are used for fungus gnat control since they have yellowish leaves that attract them. Sundews (Drosera), as shown in the background, might also be helpful, tho

[@quiestinliteris]

Fungus gnats don't CAUSE fungus, but they can certainly spread it, since they can pick up spores from one pot and transfer it to another. But that's not specific to fungus gnats, just something to watch out for with any pest that can move between plants and will only be a problem if you already have a fungal infection somewhere that's dangerous to your plants. Most fungi are more interested in the dead matter in your potting medium than in live roots.

[@jenniferkenny]

I purchased my first ever zygopetalum this year and am so so so thrilled with how quickly it adapted to my home care. It’s filling up the pot with roots like no other orchid I’ve had! I know this is very dependent on environment- but in your experience, both in Romania and Greece, are there orchid types that are just more hardy and vigorous, or does it depend more on the hybridization of different types? My cattleyas oncidiums and phals are fine, but their growth is NOTHING compared to this guy.

[@jayplantman]

We literally have opposite environments from each other, for instance you have to use sphagnum moss to keep your orchids wet for any period of time greater than like... a day, and bark stays wet for me for like a week. My question is: do Phals like large pots or do they like being in smaller pots? I have a quite large Phal, she's in a 10" pot (~25cm). She has completely stopped growing roots ever since I moved her, although she is remaining well hydrated. She has not grown roots in over 6 months, which is super unusual for her. She is a weird super genetically modified spliced 5,000,000 times, huge, vigorous orchid and she's only getting bigger. I have another who's not as vigorous and she lost all her roots and also cannot get the hint to grow roots.

[@wandashaw3551]

Hi Danny, I enjoy this Q&A very much. My question is should we not fertilize our orchids when they are in bloom? Thanks.

[@tuulieve]

I agree on the mealy bugs BUT to clarify. Male mealybugs do fly. But they don't really harm the plants per say. We really worry about the female ones.

[@juliehudgins524]

I have a Phal with a terminal spike also. I didn’t notice it when I purchased her but hope she produces a keiki or two. Fingers crossed.

[@leeanncohen7877]

I’ve reported my orchids to larger pots, with spagmoss and bark mix but none of them are growing new roots. They all have the same roots. Also they have never grown flower spikes after repotting. It’s been a year since doing all this

[@lostinjks]

Hi Danny! I love your videos and thanks to you. I have been successfully (sort of) growing orchids for about four years now. I have a question for your question and answer videos. My Cattleya orchids (and a BLC) keep growing upside down. No matter what I do. They always start to grow going the wrong direction towards the floor. Here’s a picture of my newest one. Every time they have a new growth, I have to completely redo the potting and how I have the plant set up because they’re growing so wonky. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong at this point. The plant is very happy with lots of healthy roots, but they are so unruly. Maybe there’s a way to train them to grown upwards? I have them in my milsbo cabinet so they should be getting enough light.

[@orchidquest]

My novelty Phals. usually do need a different upkeep from my regular flower shop Phals. in South Texas. The air is too dry for them (but it is too humid for full spaghnum moss for flower shop Phals.), so those crossed with bellinas, violaceas, etc. are the only orchids I can grow in full spaghnum moss. Everything else needs *much* less (if any), so that may be what the last person is dealing with? Different environment?

[@CarySpinka]

Hi Danny, What causes a flower spike stall? I had one Phal spike and it just stopped growing at about an inch long. I waited a few months and finally cut it and a new one sprouted.

[@agnes-m9m]

Hi Dani, I live in Australia and this summer has been quite hot and humid. My Phal seedlings have been staying outside in our veranda. I noticed that the ones that have been growing very nicely have started losing their leaves. I don’t know what’s going on 😢😢 do you think it could be the heat that is killing them? Thanks Agnes

[@kathrynrobinson5824]

For upcoming Q+A: Hi Dany! Do you have any experience with the Pescatoria alliance (formerly bolleas)? There is an article about Pescatorias in the March 2024 AOS issue that got me interested in them. The author described them as being similar to paphiopedilums (low light, intermediate temperature, and lots of water). The author states they bloom frequently! Wanted to see if you had any experience with this alliance. Thanks for all the great content!

[@ListenLindaListen]

Is a family member really happy, or do you have a bird!! I've had birds and their sounds!❤

[@heatherterry248]

I really appreciate the information about the terminal spike. I have never heard of that term with orchids or what it could do to the mother plant. Knowing that now I want to mention I have an Orchid that created a spike out of the crown last year. Wasn't sure if something was wrong with my orchid so I cut the spike and a new leaf grew out of the crown. This year it decided to create a flower spike out of the crown again. This time I left the spike and it has giving me beautiful flowers. Interestingly a new leaf is growing out of the crown again. Seems to be healthy so do I just leave it be or do you think something is wrong?

[@donnawaldron2880]

My orchid is suffering from bud blast. I looked it up and the Internet said it’s hydration or humidity/environment. I put dishes of water under the ceramic but made sure orchid was not sitting in water. I live in northern Ohio, USA. In winter I keep my home quite warm but windows are wide and the orchid gets diffused light all day. What can I do to prevent losing the buds before they even open?

[@LordRubino]

Amazing video as always! Very educational

[@nirvadaniranjan6166]

Hi Danny, I’ve been watching your videos from South Africa and would love your guidance on something. I have what I assumed was a flower spike develop on my phalaenopsis almost 2 months ago, the beginning of summer in my country… which in itself is unusual, but we did have several weeks of rain and cooler nights at the start of the season so I assumed this is what triggered the spike. Since then however, 😢he spike has not grown at all. A new leaf has now fully grown but the spike is still the same size. Will it still grow, perhaps with the next cool down period or is it a lost cause?

[@KerynWhite-dj4jd]

A question to which I can’t seem to find the answer to in my searches. I have 10 beautiful phalaenopsis all thriving and re-blooming for me over the years. My oldest, which is about 9years old and starting to look more like a palm tree the trunk is so tall, has discolouration on the top of the leaves. When I checked under the leaves they are covered in what looks like clear dew drops which are a bit sticky to the touch. I have wiped them off but they are returning. I have separated her from the others until I can find the answer. Have you ever seen or heard of such a thing?

[@SuperBettyBoo57]

Love the hair!!!😂

[@drummerlovesthis]

I have an orchid that hasn't bloomed in a year but it still grows new leaves occasionally. Should I get a proper fertilizer or let it continue on?

[@miacurtis]

I have noticed on my orchids have this white thick spider web like stuff on them. What is it and how do I get rid of it? I’ve used rubbing alcohol but it comes back. I have a lot of orchids on my 3 shelf stand, but on the long table, which has space between them, I have no white stuff. Are my orchids too close together?

[@deborahkreinbrink6701]

I ordered some Catleya orchids online. They are bareroot. I planted them in good potting mix from Repot me . But they weren’t doing anything for a few months. So I took them outta the pots and I have them suspended in a glass of water above the water. Will this grow some new roots and then pot them?

[@jhndr0nia]

Were they indeed barerooted or are they rootless? Usually to reroot orchids moisture around the rhizome is necessary, so the substrate shouldn‘t become bone dry in between watering

[@jadest6831]

Hey Dani, love you videos and your content :) Any tips on how to safely separate a phalenopsis basal keiki? And do some mini phals do it more than others? Should I leave them together? The mother does not have crown rot or a terminal spike. Thanks in advance!

[@pinkmenace1343]

Do you still grow any Sedireas?

[@mollys1584]

Hi Dani,! No photo but I am rescuing a friend's phal. It had root rot and stem rot. I'm😅 using water culture because it my first orchid rescue. One root but after almost six weeks, it has 2 new root tips. Any suggestions! BTW am new to orchids but have been growing indoor plants over 50 years. I have a collection of 85+ plants. I also have said phal on a heat mat in a north west exposure. I'm in NE USA. Thank you!

[@jhndr0nia]

Heat mat and hydroculture? From my personal experience, a lot of moisture and high temperatures lead to rot. There is at least one video on her channel regarding stem root and probably also root rot

[@xmissxvictoriax]

Is that a pet bird laughing? lol

[@MostlyIC]

Q: recently bought a no-name (but looks like brown and yellow oncidium hybrid Hula Halau) whose pseudo-bulbs looked too wrinkled when I got it so I've been focused on re-hydrating it, but its pushing out two new growths AOK and the wrinkles on the old bulbs haven't really changed. thoughts ? PS, bought my first orchid after 30 years of avoidance because of your channel !!!

[@rhondataylor9312]

@missorchidgirl I ordered Hoya potting soil to repot my Hoya heart plant that was very special to me and two days later it was completely dead 😡 to say the least I’m not real happy with Repotme! Also there

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi, I think you should get in touch with their customer support, I am not an employee so I cannot forward your issue. I’m sure they will be more than happy to assist you. However from the little hoya knowledge I have, a single hoya kerii leaf doesn’t guarantee a full plant, it’s just a temporary thing flower shops sell for valentines day 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@heatherrohde6541]

❤

[@plantyhappyandneedcoffee]

Where can we post questions for your next Q&A?

[@LizE2654]

Is it possible that a phal skips a year because the grower forced it to bloom out of its normal season and it’s taking that time to return to the normal season for blooming?

[@jhndr0nia]

If it‘s a common store-bought Phal (aka winter bloomer), if it doesn‘t experience a cool down or is not healthy, it won‘t bloom

[@LizE2654]

@@jhndr0nia they are nursery orchids and did get a cool down. Most have spikes or flowers. Just a couple that haven’t shown any yet.

[@jhndr0nia]

@@LizE2654 So are they summer or winter bloomers? And for how long do you have them already?

[@LizE2654]

@@jhndr0nia well that’s an interesting question, John. Are there winter blooming phals? My equestris is one that hasn’t spiked.

[@jhndr0nia]

@@LizE2654 I am not sure what you mean. All "typical" Phalaenopsis are winter bloomers meaning that a cool down initiates flowering. This should also include Phal. equestris. If it didn't bloom ever (look for remainders of inflorescences) maybe it's not simply not mature yet. I honestly can't think of anything else if the plant is thriving. For how long do you have your P. equestris by now? Maybe it has to get used to your conditions first. Summer bloomers refer to species from the subgenus/section Polychilus including bellina, violaceae, cornu-cervi, fuscata, maculata, gigantea etc. while species from the Phalaenopsis subgenus/section include amabilis, schilleriana, philippinensis, stuartiana, formosana, aphrodite etc are commonly referred to as winter bloomers

[@niagara6015]

Hi Danny. Are you perhaps able to share with us which Orchid channels on You Tube you follow? I have been looking for other channels to also start following but there is so many channels with fake information out there 😮‍💨

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi, I don’t actually have much time to watch anything other than stuff I can fall asleep to 🤭 so not sure what the Orchid scene is but I’m sure there are a ton of good channels by now 😁

[@alienrobotcommando]

Yo! I finally bought some proper moss! From Repotme, no less! 🙌 Man, talk about a huge difference from the stuff from the big box store. And omg, it's so fluffy and awesome! 😅 Thank you for helping me become a better orchid parent! 🫶😊