Phal - just dropped last bud. Tips?

[beopposed]

One of the black roots that came off.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Okay...

Plant is very salvageable. Just don't use moss as a potting medium.

Medium or large grade bark is fine.

You may need a slightly smaller pot than the one it came in.

The pot shouldn't be too big. It should be just big enough to fit the roots in there, no bigger, if you know what I'm talkin' about.

A clear plastic pot can help you out tremendously. It allows you to see what's happening to the roots, let's you have a better understanding of when to water again, and allows the plant's roots to photosynthesize (yup, I said it, photosynthesize).

A clear plastic pot is not mandatory. The roots just performs a different duty.

If you haven't caught a link to what a Phal in the wild looks like and how they grow, here it is:

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Phalaenopsis+in+situ

I recommend you check out the whole entire series of pictures.

[beopposed]

Okay, cool. Thank you for the info!

[nenella]

Your roots look very healthy! your bud blast is not a problem (it could also be due to a draught, change of conditions from growers to your home etc..) as Philip said repot in Bark , but don't forget to soak it first for 24/48 hrs.. Good luck !

[beopposed]

Thanks nenella! I was going to ask about that. Also -- should I cut the spike back?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Yeah, just remove the entire spike with a pair of sterilized cutters.

Cold or hot sterilization techniques, doesn't matter, just as long as it's sterilized.