Sphag n' bag - need some help :)

[wasillisaw]

One last thing, is it normal for one leaf to be a bit limp and leather-like after potting? Also how should I be watering it? Is flushing under faucet okay? These roots are really small for now and I dont really know how to water it sufficiently.
Im sorry if I'm asking too much questions, I really wish to learn as much about orchids as I can

[Roberta]

First, there are never too many questions!

As for the limp leaf, remember that this plant has a compromised roots system. It's doing the best it can. So water well (under the faucet is great), let it drain (so it isn't sitting in water), find a nice warm place to put it, with indirect light, and let it do its thing. Bag over the plant for a few weeks can help keep the local humidity up... leaves get limp when the water they lose through transpiration is more than what they can take up from the roots, Since it still needs to get those roots developed, you do need to work on the other end of the equation, reduce the transpiration (by raising local humidity, the bag) And then be very patient. Orchids don't do anything fast.

[Dimples]

And it may start to look worse before it starts to get better. The loss of one or maaaaybe two leaves over the next few weeks or months wouldn’t be surprising. Small root systems can’t supply enough nutrients to support rapid growth of a whole new root system, so the plant scavenges/recycles nutrients from its own leaves to build new roots. The leaf drops so the plant can survive. So long as you’re seeing signs of active growth, don’t worry too much.

[wasillisaw]

Thank you so much for all the help. The phal. from my previous thread already looks much better than before. I'm relieved I've discovered such forum.
By the way, the heating pad just arrived, I've set the temperature to 75F and placed the pot directly over it.
I'm going to stick to this site for as long as I can

[Roberta]

Something to think about with the heating mat... the plant is going to dry out faster from the warmth (though the bag will help control that) . Increase watering frequency as needed.