Repotting - with small new spike?

[stimpson]

Thanks for all the great feedback. I have the phal in my office @ work, and it has what I think is called sphagm moss packed tightly all around the roots (some look white and dry, so I'll have to give it a little clean up) and pot. I think I might keep some of the moss (it's very dry in the office) but add more bark chips to it. I don't have a scheduling problem as to when to water it; I water when I dip my finger in it about 1/2" down and it still feels dry.

I'm really excited about the new spike! I'll keep you all posted!

[Izzie]

Don't use the old moss, get some new. That old moss is breaking down- it becomes acidic and is harmful to the roots.

And a top dressing should be just fine.

With the bark you may not be able to use the finger technique, but sticking a bamboo BBQ skewer down into the pot will work just fine- and is a favorite of many of us here on the board!

[Izzie]

Where are you getting your media?
Use medium grade (about the size of a quarter) bark for phals- you judge media size by root size.
Thick roots- medium/large grade
Fine roots (like oncidiums)- fine grade (nickel to dime size)

For the moss, if you get it from a place like lowes or Home Depot, make sure it is "long fiber sphagnum moss"- not the green moss that they sometimes advertise for orchids.
And soak everything before use.

You were lucky to get a plant that was already in a clear pot!

Can we see pictures of what's going on in there, if you can get it out?

[Izzie]

Okay. one more reply.
Just want to make sure you're all set!

Have you repotted before?

Do you have a disinfectant solution like Physan 20? I've seen it at garden centers, or you can order it online. It's the go-to chemical for sanitation, fungicide, bactericide, viruside, and is great for orchids.

If not, when you (gently) clean all the roots off, trim the dead ones (not firm) with a sterilized blade (flame it or bleach it), and then spray or soak the roots in brown listerine or a bleach solution (1tsp:1gal water) and you should be golden!

I believe there's a great step-by-step instruction sheet for repotting in the Member Articles section of this board.