Watering Phals, when?

[Phalaflaume]

Hi,

I've read tons of info on watering Phals, but I never seem to get it right according to a good number of my Phals.

They grow very well for some time, suddenly, the buds/flowers/spikes start to wilt.

I ussually stick my finger in the pots as far down as I can go. When the upper and middle of the Sphagnum Moss is bone dry and the bottom is humid, I water again. I use tap water 1/2 dose of Dyna Grow 7-9-5 & 1/2 dose of Superthrive (which I found to be useful) in all watering except for 4th/5th watering of the month which is just "plain" water. I tried to get rain water whenever possible, but living in an apt in NYC it is very hard to do (e.g. containers left at fire escape misteriously dissapearing during T-storms).

Should I wait until there is absolutely no humidity left in the pot before I water? Should I water more frequently?

My Phals sitting on a humdity tray on top of a table in front of a SW window (they like that light I know that), no direct sun, I have blinds for afternoon sun.

I just added fluorescent lights (yesterday Aug. 14th) about 12 inches above the plants to supplement daylight changes. I want them to grow large root systems.

:?

[Phalaflaume]

Hi

Thanks.

What is the purpose of making it acidic?
Is that to avoid/kill bacteria?

Frances

[Phalaflaume]

I will try the vinegar...

[Dennis]

what are you growing them in is it all moss. all i use is moss and i water every day mornings only. after awhile your moss will start to compact which will cause it to hold more moisture and cause rot. every couple of weeks pull some of the moss out and try to refluff it so to say and lightly put it back in the pot very loosely, this should help. as long as it is not raining out the moss should dry out in a day or so if not then you need to refluff or replace the moss. it should be good for at least a year

[Nancy]

I would look at the root system because it sounds like there is something going on with the root system that seems to build up over time. Have you noticed any new root growth? You may wish ti switch to bark, which is what I use. I have very good root growth with it.