Help me save my Valentine Day orchid!

[Orchidjim]

Absolutely correct! I grow 1000's of phals ALL in moss. Cut 'em down and repot all in summer. Works great. Know your own conditions and

WHEN IN DOUBT...DRY THEM OUT !!

[Becca]

Originally Posted by glass_05

I quick went to the store already and bought orchid bark. I couldn't believe that the orchid was only planted in moss and nothing else. I cleaned the roots off of the moss and trimmed the bad ones. My repot job wasn't pretty but I have the plant in the bark now. Hopefully its health turns around.
Thanks again

Hi and welcome to the OB! I don't think anyone has mentioned this yet, but when you repotted your orchid into it's new medium, did you soak it first? Usually a 24 hour soak is needed to sort of prime the bark to be able to hold moisture. Also, I have several orchids in moss....I've killed some using it and others are fine. I usually don't use just straight moss anymore, I mix in some bark and perlite. How quickly your potting medium will dry out will also depend on what type of pot you are using, plastic (slotted or non-slotted) or clay. Hope your orchid makes it!

[Matilda]

He's probably wishing he got her a box of chocolates instead

[Brookpoint]

Originally Posted by glass_05

I bought this beautiful plant on Monday. It is about 2 feet tall including base. After just one day of having the plant the petals are getting green spots and it seems decaying. Some petals are also really soft, not firm how they were when I got it. I haven't watered it yet because the soil is still rather damp. I have it in my window all during the day, however since I am in Iowa and it's winter there is a constant over cast and the flower has yet to see the sun.

Here is what I am working with right now. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I do not want to have to throw away this $40 plant before my girlfriend can even see it, and I want to give her a healthy plant. Thanks again.

It is probably a little late for this advice but I would have returned the orchid to wherever you bought it and started over again. It is not your fault this orchid was obviously in bad shape when you bought it.

[Becca]

Originally Posted by Brookpoint

It is probably a little late for this advice but I would have returned the orchid to wherever you bought it and started over again. It is not your fault this orchid was obviously in bad shape when you bought it.

I agree!

Maybe since this 'chid isn't in the best of shape and you have already gone to so much trouble with it for repotting it you should just keep it for your self and get your gal a new one!