Crimes against Lycaste aromatica - root damage

[mvmgems]

You know that sinking feeling when you wish you could undo the last few minutes?

I bought this Lycaste aromatica a few days ago and it was in great condition - nice roots, pseudobulbs, shoots, and blooming. Potted in straight sphagnum.

However, I’d noticed a strong foul decayed vegetable smell coming from the media every time I watered which overpowered the cinnamon scent, so I decided to repot it today (planning on just replacing the media with a mix of small bark and moss) and into a clear pot. I also noticed what looked like insect frass on one side of the root ball.

It seemed like the long strand sphagnum was well entwined and I had to tug a lot to remove them. After taking out about a third, I then noticed a root tip in what I removed and to my horror realized I had ripped out a ton of roots along with the moss. I did the rest of the root ball under running water to help differentiate but I’m positive I caused more damage.

I’ve loosely packed in the original moss into the pot while I post here and ask for help, reassurance, and admonishment!