My mini phals keep loosing their roots to root rot

[camille1585]

For the second, recently purchased one, since it was in moss the roots may have already been on their way out depending on how it was watered before you bought it. How were the roots when you repotted it? Phals transitioning from sphag to bark generally need a higher watering frequency at first (not keeping them wet, but just slightly damper than usual), since they are used to more humid root conditions.

For the first one that you've had longer, you are either underwatering or overwatering. Given your watering frequency and northernly location/temps, I would guess overwatering, but slotted pots do dry out faster.

How large is your bark?
How do you determine when they need water?

Watering very frequently when leaves look dehydrated is counter productive and ultimately makes the problem worse since the substrate has no time to dry out and can rot the roots. Dehydrated/wrinkled Phal leaves don't bounce back quickly, it takes several weeks or months fro them to smooth out again and they often never completely return to their normal state.

The best course of action (in my experience) is to give them a long soak at each watering and then try to water when they need it (roots turning silver), which could be as little as once every 7-10 days at those temps.

You could also give them a boost by giving them higher humidity for a couple weeks/months, by placing them (potted) in a large clear bag or small aquarium, out of direct light. Phals react generally rather well to this treatment.