Repotting after just repotting

[Denizf]

Hi there,

Complete newbie here and I’ve made many errors already: have three Phal orchids that I repotted in February after bringing them home from the grocery store (they were discounted and I couldn’t resist and not in the greatest health).
I used miracle gro potting mix, but it’s a huge disappointment and is retaining too much water.
They’ve all done blooming and are putting out new leaves and aerial roots, but I’m wondering if I should risk repotting them into a better media, or just do what I can with this crap and leave them alone?

Thank you! Looking forward to learning more as I start my orchid journey.

Deniz

[Roberta]

First, Welcome!

My inclination would be to repot. Phals are not fussy about repotting. And if they are producing aerial roots instead of down into the mix, it may be a sign that they really don't like the soggy medium. I don't think that it will do harm, and likely will do good,

[Denizf]

Thank you Roberta,

That makes sense, I’m glad to hear they’re pretty hardy in terms of repotting.
Should have done more research before jumping into it, this potting medium is best thrown in the trash. I started to have issues with pests, and I also figured that the shock of another transplant might be better than letting them sit in this stuff.

Deniz

[Paphluvr]

I hold Miracle Gro in the same regard as you. Repot!

[Denizf]

I hope other newbies searching for info will find this. Avoid.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

[Denizf]

Thank you!
They were selling orchids past blooming for $3, how could I say no.
They were all in different media and have different leaves, so this is quite the experiment.
I’ve been trying to find a guide based on leaf shape and haven’t been successful so far. (This should probably be reposted in a different forum so please let me know)
Sphagnum moss: rotten mushy roots
- leaves are widest close to the tips which are round
Bark mix: not bad, generally healthy
- skinny pointy leaves
Coconut: great roots
- leaves are skinny at base, fat in middle, pointed at the end

[Roberta]

Photos would help, to make some guesses as to which group. The first likely is Phalaenopsis. The others, would need to see. The ones in coconut might be Cymbidiums. For the price, a great chance to learn for small money.

[Denizf]

I think they’re all types of Phals, but I’m not familiar with the amount of morphological differentiation that occurs in the genus. They’re just grocery/hardware store orchids after all!

[Roberta]

Yes, they do all look like Phals. Interesting that the ones in coconut look so good - but reasonable. The coconut tends to not break down easily, and stays well drained and airy. While Phals like a wet-drier cycle, they don't need or want to go completely dry - but air around the roots is really important - basically they like "humid air" and I'm guessing that the coconut is providing that. Spahgnum, on the other hand, can get pretty nasty, holding too much water that crowds out the air, or else turning rock-hard in the middle where there is neither air nor water. Can be a a useful medium with the right conditions, but it can easily turn into a root-killer.