Need some advice

[tracyscpks]

I recently got three orchids from WalMart that were on clearance. They are really waterlogged and I believe may have some rot starting. So if you all could give me some advice on re-potting them, how to get rid of damage, what to put them into(same pot or new one), ect. I would be greatful.

Thank you,
Tracy

[kaarthiik]

Hi Tracy,

Welcome to OB!

It would be hard to suggest you the care without knowing what type of orchid you have and what is medium.

Genreral rule is Orchids do not like wet feet. So, if more water is problem, then they should be drained, put some tissue papers below the pots (if pot has holes) And put in an area where it gets good air, so some water may be lost by drying.

Photos of the Orchid would be very helpful.

I hope you can use the same pot, but should have plenty of holes to drain excess water.. And if you judge its a root rot, cut off them using a sterile scissors. And repot in fresh media (again it depends on Orchid)

[tracyscpks]

Thank you for the help. I will try to take pictures when I get home from work tonight. If I remeber correctly the pots didn't have holes in the bottom, but I will double check.

Tracy

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Pls also refer to the sticky "The Phal abuse ends here". You might find some of the answers to your questions from now till the time you get home.

[tracyscpks]

They were still wet so I took them out of the pots and they are sitting in the sink drying out a little bit.

[Zoi2]

They do look awfully wet. You might gently pull them out of their pots and get rid of some of the tightly packed moss in the center of the root ball. The roots must have some air circulation. If the roots are decent I would just put the plants back in their plastic pots until they're finished blooming then cut the spikes and repot into fresh media.
Joann

[kaarthiik]

Hi,

You have got good mature plants and these are Phalanopsis, and read the wonderful sticky "Phal abuse ends here". Lots of information.

I too received the plants in similar situation, tightly packed in Moss. but I had few holes at bottom..

I think its better and its easy for you get some professional potting mix as you are from USA easily from ebay/amazon or any garden store.

If you can't opt for specialized pots, find some transparent plastic boxes and make plenty of holes to them (boxes should not be big, they should be just enough to accommodate roots of Phals)

Follow this link, I found it easy guide for re-poting
Untitled Document

As, said by Philip and others, Moss is highly damaging. And I guess the moss used is of very bad quality

[tracyscpks]

Thank you all so much for the help! I have them in the sink drying out some. Tonight I will try to clip the rotten roots. I have decided to get the clear pots with the holes in them and will be stopping by the store to get some different mix to put them in. I agree that the moss stuff they came is not good. It holds water to much. I guess if they weren't waterlogged to begin with it wouldn't be so bad.

I have been reading through the "Phal abuse ends here" sticky. It does have a lot of wonderful information.

Thank you,
Tracy

[RosieC]

Do they have inner plastic posts with holes in the bottom inside those outer pots?

If not do the outer pots have holes in them.

You really need pots with holes in the bottom, it's fine to have an inner pot then an outer cache pot without holes (however I find that a good gap between the two helps with air flow which is good for the roots).

Whenever you water you need to water to drain, whatever medium you use.

[PeaceLoveOrchids]

This has nothing to do with the question or last post but, your walmart has EVERYTHING! Ours barly has anything, luckly it's right next to a lowes.