Comment on Is there something I can do about it? [Phalaenopsis orchid]
meyotch@slrpnk.net 2 weeks ago
I would prepare yourself to lose a few of the older leaves no matter what. Partly that’s just what phalenopsis do, but this one is also healing and adapting to a new situation.
And chill out really hard on the fertilizer. It’s very easy to over do it. I use a weak nutrient solution called “Orchid plant food mist” by miracle grow maybe one good pump on the exposed roots and foliage once a month has been plenty to get annual flower stalks.
It looks quite healthy but the transition from hydro to not-hydro (geoponics, i guess?) will trigger a lot of physiological changes and internal reshuffling of nutrients. It’s inevitable.
Guenther_Amanita@slrpnk.net 2 weeks ago
Thanks!
If you click on the post I linked, you see that the plant barely had any roots left, because they were completely mush when I bought it.
The substrate you meant is called “LECA” (expanded clay balls), which wick up the hydroponic nutrient solution. It’s just another form of passive hydroponics :)