Have I Killed My New Phalaenopsis?

[netrizone]

Hi! I recently purchased a new phal online, and it came in a 2" plastic container with tightly-packed sphagnum. After waiting a couple days for the sphagnum to dry out, I soaked the whole plant in Kelpak-infused water for a good hour. I also ran water from the top the medium.

After scrolling this forum extensively, I now realize that soaking tightly-packed moss can destroy air holes and suffocate roots. Unfortunately, I didn't realize this until after the fact. Should I repot this phal ASAP?

[Dalachin]

No, it will probably be fine. Put it somewhere with good air circulation and the moss will get drier. Wait until the moss is just lightly damp before watering again, then either dribble water from the top or let it soak up some water from the bottom until it is moist but not soggy.

You could repot as hybrid phals are pretty adaptable, but personally I like to let new orchids acclimate a week or two and start growing again before i repot (phals included).

[estación seca]

It depends on your temperatures. Warmer is better with Phals. You can gently remove the moss ball from the outer pot so it dries faster.

I would not be in any hurry to repot until the moss is breaking down. Sphagnum is an excellent medium for Phals., if you learn to water properly. It should be tightly packed in the container. When the top is crisp dry, run fertilizer solution or water over the top for just a second or two. The water will diffuse through the moss, leaving it evenly moist yet with lots of air spaces. A plant that small you could water by inverting it over a container of water or fertilizer solution, then dunking the top of the plant into the water for a second or two. If your conditions are reasonably warm the leaves will dry within a half hour.

[Ray]

Orchids don’t do anything quickly, so a couple of days of soppy sphagnum is only goi to be an issue if the plant is cold.