Is my new Orchid toast?

[turtleamy]

For mother's day my husband went to the local orchid store and purchased a very pretty pink phal. I've purchased from this store a couple of times and I've always ended up with a great orchid.

The moss was moist when I got it, so but it in my awesome southeast 2 feet from the window orchid ledge. Today I figured it was time to water it. The moss was still moist which I found odd. Then I realized that the leaves were at an odd and angle. I started to inspect them, and they broke off in my hand. Where the leaves meets the roots/plants was rotted from the inside out. I haven't unpotted it yet, but the roots at the top are all rotten and hollow. I've never had to repot when I've purchased from this store. But I'm really disappointed in this purchase.

Repot or take it back?

[RandomGemini]

Take it back. It's been overwatered in the store.

[Orchid Whisperer]

It certainly wouldn't hurt to ask if they will give you a refund or exchange, if you are fairly sure the fault was theirs (that is, it was sick before you got it).

I repot virtually every Phal. out of moss and into bark as soon as I get them home. IME, they just don't do well in moss. There are a very few people that can manage watering in moss really well, but I am not one of them. Repot your next Phal. into bark ASAP, even if it is in spike. My most recent Phal. Purchase kept its blooms for 5 months, even though I repotted while in bloom.

[tarev]

If they will allow refund go for it, and just get another one, then repot. I am not a fan of sphagnum moss and I always repot too.

[Miss Flower]

take it back and make a fuss! Bad care should not be your responsibility..if it was free that's one thing, but full price and it's dead, I don't think so!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Like others stated. Return it.

Thoroughly check roots upon purchase, always.

When I say thorough, I mean knock the orchid out of the pot, regardless of whether the plant is in bloom or not and get rid of the potting medium, and meticulously check the roots.

Do not just buy the orchid and forego a check-up because you think the flowers look fine.

The flowers are only the plant's reproductive organs. If you pay attention only to the flowers, you're neglecting everything else that's part of the plant that is far more critical to its survival.

Again, in the future when you purchase an orchid, inspect EVERYTHING.

[Kuzuri]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Like others stated. Return it.

Thoroughly check roots upon purchase, always.

When I say thorough, I mean knock the orchid out of the pot, regardless of whether the plant is in bloom or not and get rid of the potting medium, and meticulously check the roots.

Do not just buy the orchid and forego a check-up because you think the flowers look fine.

The flowers are only the plant's reproductive organs. If you pay attention only to the flowers, you're neglecting everything else that's part of the plant that is far more critical to its survival.

Again, in the future when you purchase an orchid, inspect EVERYTHING.

It was a gift from her husband - I doubt he knew enough about orchids to determine if it was healthy, but checking it when you get it, even if it's a gift, is a good idea.

I would take it back and get a replacement. And then, as King says, check the next one thoroughly.

[Bobits]

What happened?