New phal has root rot, how much roots to cut out? Help

[jasonmom]

Bought a discount Phal yesterday. I have no idea what the media was made of. I guess it was some type of moss, but it was packed sooo tight. I had read on here about others who experienced this and the plant got root rot. Some had recommended if ever buying one of these to go ahead and repot immediately once home.

Well, I'm glad I remembered the recommendation. When I finally got it out (was really packed in there) and I had quite a few black roots. I've cut the totally rotten ones out, but now am wondering if I should cut off more.

Some of the roots are green but have black ends. Some are yellowish (maybe somewhat green) with black ends. Do I need to cut these? If so where do I cut?

Some of the roots are smushed together and then there are empty spaces. Should I try to untangle the one mass of roots and spread them out before planting?

I plan to repot in my miracle grow orchid mix (it's pretty large pieces of bark). Should I mix in a bit of moss?

How long is an orchid OK laying out of it's mix? With all of my other types of plants I always try to have the pot I'm going to put the plant into ready and place the plant directly into it. I've seen on here people talking about waiting a few days before repotting.

Any and all help will be appreciated.

Thanks

[WhiteRabbit]

Looks pretty good - there are a couple roots on the right in your last photo - one, at the end, I can see the velamen has rotted away, and the one above it in the pic, the end segment looks flat and may be dead.

I have heard that the Miracle Gro chunky bark mix is good. Give it a good soak before using it, to help it retain moisture. New bark will always dry more quickly than old, even with a soak, so keep in mind you may need to water frequently for a while. Without much of a soak, it may need very frequent watering, which won't bother the plant at all, you just need to remember and watch that
Personally, I would skip adding sphag.

The plant is fine unpotted, but may need a good watering every day - more often if the air is very dry and/or warm.

[quiltergal]

I agree with everything Sonya said. Cut off anything that feels hollow or mushy. If it's firm leave it on. The only reason the roots are yellow is because they have not been exposed to any light. Skip the moss. It's unnecessary, and will decompose faster than the rest of the media. It can stay unpotted indefinitely. Phals grow on trees in nature with their roots exposed. You just have to remember to water it ever day or so.

[jasonmom]

Thanks

I did not use any moss, just the pre-soaked bark. I didn't cut any more roots off the plant.