Transplanting

[Donna671]

I transplanted two of my phlan. into orchid pots with the holes using bark. Over the last few weeks the leaves are looking wilted and some of them are turning yellow and falling off. It seems like I can't retain the moisture. They are dry practically the next day. What should I do? Change pots, use moss....Help

[calypsoB]

Did you soak the bark over night? If not I would soak your plants in warm water (not together) for a few hours. The other option if you did soak them would be to add some moss to the mix or put a layer over top to help retain the moisture.

[Donna671]

Thanks! I do believe I forgot to soak the bark first...oops! Do I take the orchid out of the pot to re-soak the bark and if I do that...should I just add so moss. We live in Massachsetts and have oil heat which really dries out the air in winter--can I repot them again while there are blooms? Sorry--I'm a beginner! Thanks for your help!

[silken]

I would soak the whole pot with the Phal in it. Just make sure you don't submerge the crown or get water in it. I find my phals have a tough time going from straight moss to only bark and use a mix of the two. Maybe 50/50. Putting a kebab skewer in the pot and leaving it there works well to test when it is time to water. Pull it out and see if it is dry or nearly dry before watering. This has saved many of my orchids from root rot.

[calypsoB]

^yep! Don't worry about being a beginner- we all are learning about something! If you are really dry you might want to consider getting a cheap little humidifier. Good for you and the plants