Did I overwater?

jbw1984

13 years ago

I have a phal that I repotted at the beginning of October (it was in a plastic sleeve from the grower and had finished blooming). I repotted it in spagmoss, which, as it turns out, is quite different from the other kind of moss I've used previously that is more generally available in stores.

The plant is in a pot with big air holes, so when I water it there is total drainage.

In mid-October, I gave the plant a thorough watering because I was planning to be gone for over 2 weeks. I allowed it to drain completely (there is no way for there to be standing water with how the air/drainage holes are lined up on the pot).

Well, it's Nov.3, over 2 weeks since that watering, and the moss is nonetheless still QUITE WET. It's not dripping--and never was--but it's amazing how it retains water.

Should I be worried? Or is a 2-week period of wet moss not going to be lethal? I think it should start getting dry in the next 4-5 days based on the progress I've been observing.

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Comments (5)

jbw1984
Original Author
13 years ago
And I should add-- the roots were in quite good shape when I repotted it. I was surprised.
orchidnick
13 years ago
George Vasquez, owner of Zuma Canyon Orchids, a huge Phal provider, recommends either one turkey baster or one shot glass full of water per week. No more. People generally over water Phailies in moss hence their nickname 'Failies'. Your plant sounds fine just follow that routine.

Nick
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vtandrea
13 years ago
Nick, how would you wash out the accumulated salts/fertilizer with just a shot glass of water? Doesn't make sense to me.
orchidnick
13 years ago
Use clean water of you can and flush them once every few month. Fertilizer is not supposed to accumulate, use very little. If you give them a good soaking every week as you would if they were in bark, you'll rot out the roots

Nick
chilover
13 years ago
I have a lot of phals in spag, over 30, and have used it for years. I drench when I water and have no problems but our house is kept very warm, heat with wood, and they dry out completely in a week. I guess it would matter on how warm their environment is and how quickly they dry out.