I have had my Caudatum Wallisii ( Tall Tails ) for less than a week and already I can see some worrying signs. Firstly, the oldest fan is listing, really droopy and I have just today discovered some markings, indentations on the leaves. Do I need to be worried? I have also noticed that when I water the plant it is bone dry again in about two hours. The medium at the bottom of the pot is soaking wet but when I insert my finger into the top it feels bone dry. Other plants that I water at the same time remain damp for ages but this one is already dry after a few hours. I have decided to repot when I get my new medium that I have ordered online. It is quite worrying to say the least. :( I hope I'm not going to lose my new phrag. :(
Drooping leaf fan
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd373/scorpiess/2011-09-12162904.jpg
Strange markings on leaf
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd373/scorpiess/2011-09-12163032.jpg

I'd really appreciate your knowledge on this one. Thanks in advance.

Probably nothing to worry about. The older growths always die back as they get older spending their energy, so that is normal. If you can, take the plant out of the pot and check the condition of the roots.

Probably nothing to worry about. The older growths always die back as they get older spending their energy, so that is normal. If you can, take the plant out of the pot and check the condition of the roots.

Thanks Casey. I am going to do that as soon as I can. I have seen all manner of creepy crawlies scuttling inside around the pot and I can't bear to think what they might be doing to the roots! :( I will check them very thoroughly!

I hope the roots are ok! I would be very careful with not breaking any roots when you unpot to see the roots.

I hope the roots are ok! I would be very careful with not breaking any roots when you unpot to see the roots.

Thank you, that's something I'll have to be careful of. I will be very careful and gentle.

I agree with what casey and newbie said. Let us know what you find, please keep us posted.

I agree with what casey and newbie said. Let us know what you find, please keep us posted.
Thanks Orchidlover. I will let you know the outcome as soon as I know. I hope it's o.k.

Phrags are known to lean like that but its best to check and see whats going on underground.

Well today I repotted and I had a pleasant surprise, no root rot or damage.

Healthy roots
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd373/scorpiess/orchid%20culture/2011-09-13095636.jpg

Still lots left after washing
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd373/scorpiess/orchid%20culture/2011-09-13095710.jpg

Repotted into sphag
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd373/scorpiess/orchid%20culture/2011-09-13100332.jpg

droopy leaf wedged inbetween the upright fan
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd373/scorpiess/orchid%20culture/2011-09-13101948.jpg

So after all of that there was no root damage. I didn't see any insect crawling away but I know there was a few different sized millipedes or centipedes in there because I saw them. Now I just have to wait for the growths to start and for it to flower and thank me for looking after it so well. :)

Incidentally, my windows don't need a good clean it is condensation on the inside of the double glazing- can't get to it to clean it. :(

wow nice healthy roots!!!

wow nice healthy roots!!!

I know :iagree:. I was amazed! I expected some rot but there was none. :D So now I can just ignore it and let it do what it wants to do, if it wants to lean over to the side who am I to argue with it? It's :cool:

Nice. Also, the long petalled Phrags seem to have dehydrated looking leaves normally. Don't let this scare you.

Nice. Also, the long petalled Phrags seem to have dehydrated looking leaves normally. Don't let this scare you.

I have so much to learn but I like to learn so that is good. As long as they are healthy then that is all that matters. Thanks for putting my mind at rest Nick.

I like phrags with long petals and you have a beautiful healthy plant.

I like phrags with long petals and you have a beautiful healthy plant.

Thanks Brendon. I hope it starts to grow soon. It hasn't accclimatised yet and so now that it has been repotted I am hoping that it will get a spurt on soon.

just dont forget to repot when sphag starts to turn into mush (my guess 7-12 months)

just dont forget to repot when sphag starts to turn into mush (my guess 7-12 months)

Seven to twelve months? really? Oh well I might even repot into bark in a clear pot. When I repotted that time sphag was all that I had available but I think I will go back to bark as I haven't seen any growth yet since repotting.

I know, patience...