My Phal needs urgent care

[Jugador22]

I received an orchid when my daughter passed away and it has been doing great until recently. Today I did some research and realized it might have been over watered. After pulling it from the pot I found it was packed in sphagnum. After removing it all, I was left with a rotted mess. I cut back all of the dead roots and scrubbed the little 2 inches that was left of all the black stuff.

There are only two leaves, one is yellow and wilting and one is green and wilting. There were 3 flowers getting ready to bloom, but since it started wilting, the flowers have just stayed closed.

So I cut back the stem and repotted the orchid in some new bark. I used some root stimulator, but I'm wondering if all I did will work.

I'm concerned that the little nub that was left after cutting back all of the dead roots will be enough to re-grow.

I would appreciate any feedback.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Anything is possible. I wouldn't give up until everything is dead.

It sounds counter-intuitive, but I would withhold water for a week or two. See if that will initiate root growth on top of what you've done.

[mossmac]

I also grow phals and have come to realise they are quite tough things. It takes quite a lot for them to die! It sounds like you have done all the right things. I think you have every chance that the plant will grow new roots. Just go easy on the watering. Have you any photos of the plant?

[Bird Song Farm]

Sounds like you have done all you can for it at the present time. Now just watch the watering....no roots......can't take up water....
and it will be fine.

Al

[BikerDoc5968]

Some people use the "sphag and bag" routine. I have tried it in a similar situation with phals and it can get roots to grow. You want to create some humidity so new air roots will grow. I agree with Al that "no roots...no water uptake."

[zxyqu]

I second the with-holding of water, and may encourage the sphag and bag technique. With-holding the water, forces the plant to focus on putting out a new root, if its possible, and in light of that, it the plant is salvageable it will do just that. So keep an eye on it, and if it sprouts a new root or two, then start thinking about watering it. Good luck, these plants are remarkably hardy!