Phalaenopsis problems

[lindasbabies]

I’m new here. I have 2 small Phalaenopsis orchids, one I’ve had for a year. I just found out that the orchids come potted in less than desired materials about a month or two ago and have since repotted them twice trying to get the optimal mix for them. I now have them potted in repotme Phalaenopsis Monterey dark imperial orchid mix but first they were in some bark chips that Lowe’s sells as good for orchids. I just got them in the repotme mix yesterday. My Phalaenopsis I’ve had for a year was potted oriniginally in straight sphagnum moss and has root rot and lost most of its roots. My newest orchid was potted in like a dark spongy dirt type stuff but was very healthy. They both now have root rot and the newest one has tiny black spots under its leaves and dark spots on the stalk. The older one has dark spots on the stock and yellow spots under its leaves. I’ve worked so hard to save these two and I’m at my wits end! Can anyone help me here?

[aliceinwl]

If they have bad roots, there’s going to be an adjustment period. Make sure you have them in good light (bright indirect) and warm (70+ ideally). Water whenever the bark looks dry: this might be 3 times a week with new bark.

Then wait. Disturbing the plants will just set them back. I’ve had excellent luck with mixes like the one you’re using, but with plants with poor roots the best you can hope for is no further decline for the next couple of months followed by a very slow recovery once new roots start growing. Although temping to try to “baby” them, I’ve found they recover fastest if disturbance is limited to watering. If the roots are really bad, you may see some loss of leaf turgor until new root growth kicks in.

Pictures may help folks give more tailored advice.

[lindasbabies]

Thank you so much! I did post this with pictures under the forum for “pests and diseases” since this post is probably in the wrong place. I will leave them alone now except for watering and just wait and see. I appreciate your help immensely. I’m really anxious to do the right thing for these plants so they’ll thrive.