Sphag n' bag - need some help :)

[wasillisaw]

Hi guys, this is my second thread on this site.

I have a question about "sphag n' bag" re-rooting technique.

Some time ago I overwatered my ochid so much, that it lost all it's roots and most of the leaves. I've stepped upon using shpagnum moss and a bag, to propagate new root growths, and guess what - I now have two baby roots.
But I have a little concern. They seem to have stopped growing and now they're just chilling with the orchid in the bag. I really don't know if im doing anything wrong, because it's my first time using this remedy.

I mist the sphag. with water everytime it's getting dry, and the bag isn't sealed completely so the air can go inside. I try to let it breathe so there's no mold or fungus growing. Once every 2-3 weeks I spray the moss with fertilizer, that is higher in phoshoprus, because I've read that it'll stimulate the rooth growth.

Also, when do I plant it in a pot? Do the roots need to be specific size? I'm just scared it's gonna stay in that bag forever because I'd be scared to destroy it

Am I doing anything wrong? Please help me

[Roberta]

Bump

[Ray]

I would pot that up in whatever potting medium you will use going forward, water it in thoroughly, making sure the medium is moist but airy, then invert a plastic bag over it (leaving the bottom open) to trap humidity.

Keep it very warm and shady, and don't let it dry out.

[Dimples]

I agree with Ray. The plant doesn’t look to bad, so getting it in its final home now, so all the new roots grow right into the pot, would be my plan too. Bottom heat with a seedling heating mat helps stimulate roots if your temperatures are low.

[wasillisaw]

Thank you so much. Can I pot it in sphagnum alone, or should I mix it with bark? I actually never used moss, so Im quite unfamiliar with its use and how to water plants in it.
Also, how warm do you think it should be? Is 70-80F enough? I really dont want to fry it haha

[Dimples]

Use your normal choice of medium for phals. If you use bark, use bark. Maybe put a thin layer of sphagnum moss at the top of the pot if your humidity is low, but you can skip that if you’re vigilant about not letting it dry out.

70-80F is good for healthy phals, but I’ve found recovering phals do best around 80-85F, so watch and see what happens. If root growth remains slow or stalls, that could be a sign that higher temperatures may be needed.

[wasillisaw]

So I've just potted it in medium bark, some ceramzite and a pinch of sphag. I've put a bag over it just like you said, now Im waiting for the heating pad to arrive.
Im a little afraid that I might have broke a root when covering with potting mix, but I didnt hear any snap so maybe everything's okay, they seemed pretty flexible. Im planning on watering it every 4-7 day, depending on its weight. Do you have any tips on how to fertilize it, or is my method ok? Im using NPK 1:3:2, but I also have 3:1:3.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by wasillisaw

So I've just potted it in medium bark, some ceramzite and a pinch of sphag. I've put a bag over it just like you said, now Im waiting for the heating pad to arrive.
Im a little afraid that I might have broke a root when covering with potting mix, but I didnt hear any snap so maybe everything's okay, they seemed pretty flexible. Im planning on watering it every 4-7 day, depending on its weight. Do you have any tips on how to fertilize it, or is my method ok? Im using NPK 1:3:2, but I also have 3:1:3.

I think the 3:1:3 fertilizer would be better... the main component that orchids actually use is nitrogen (the first number) The 1:3:2 is low on nitrogen. Fertilizer is the least important cultural factor, though... when everything else is correct, then it makes a difference. If the velamin (the outside coating of the root) cracked, the root is still OK - the "business" part is the core under the velamin.

[wasillisaw]

Should I punch some holes in the bag so theres a bit of circulation inside?

[Roberta]

I think just lift the bag now and then to refresh the air. Holes won't give you much circulation, and will work against what you're trying to accomplish with humidity. Once those new roots get a little larger, you won't need the bag at all.