HELP! Too Much Water in Phalaenopsis

[Leafmite]

I have never used Spanish moss as a medium so maybe someone else can help you.
You do want to water the roots until they turn green, regardless, as the humidity is just not enough, usually, to keep them nice and plump for long periods of time.

[vjo]

I think labyrinth probably means spagnum moss.

[labyrinth1959]

First off, I want to thank all the posters on this thread for all the helpful insights.
I have a new issue. I re-potted two Phals that were not doing well and were obviously stressed. the issue I'm concerned about is that I used a new bag of coarse bark that had quite large chunks and seemed resistant to wetting out. My concern is that this medium may dry too fast and I'm wondering if (1) I should have soaked the bark for an extended period before re-potting (2) should I now re-pot again using pre-soaked bark, (3) just water more often, (4) maybe soak for 30 minutes when I water, (5) re-pot using the same bark but add a little sphagnum moss to the mix, or (6) just wait it out and see what happens. Suggestions please!

[bil]

Originally Posted by labyrinth1959

First off, I want to thank all the posters on this thread for all the helpful insights.
I have a new issue. I re-potted two Phals that were not doing well and were obviously stressed. the issue I'm concerned about is that I used a new bag of coarse bark that had quite large chunks and seemed resistant to wetting out. My concern is that this medium may dry too fast and I'm wondering if (1) I should have soaked the bark for an extended period before re-potting (2) should I now re-pot again using pre-soaked bark, (3) just water more often, (4) maybe soak for 30 minutes when I water, (5) re-pot using the same bark but add a little sphagnum moss to the mix, or (6) just wait it out and see what happens. Suggestions please!

1. I can't be bothered to presoak.
2. No.
3 Yes
4. bit long
5. No. Definitely no,

When I repot a Phal, I don't soak the bark, I use bark that is about 2 inches long at max, but no small stuff. That is important. I leave it two days so any root breaks will dry well, then I water it every day in summer (I wouldn't repot in winter.) then taper off a bit. I use a 5 litre spray to water, and I water with an ULTRA weak solution of Ray's low potassium fertiliser. My summer watering routine is two wet days a week when I wash down the whole plant and water till the water starts to run out the pot, and the other five are damp days when I wash down the plant and water it a bit. The hotter and dryer the weather, the wetter te damp days get.
The HUGE danger with the sphag is that in the winter it will retain too much water. With the exteremely open bark, water just falls thru (tho you will notice that the bark soaks up quite a bit of water) It is then practically impossible to overwater them in the winter which is the big danger.

Hope that helps.

[labyrinth1959]

One video that I came across suggests using 3% peroxide to sterilize the orchid roots before repotting. This seems a bit extreme to me. What are your opinions on this? Is there something else that would be a better choice. It seems like every time I repot it sets the orchid back or nearly kills it.

[No-Pro-mwa]

I would not use hydrogen peroxide on the roots. Can you get any seaweed? This will really help with root stimulation. I have been using it and my roots are going crazy.

I have done both soak and not soak but if I don't soak before I re-pot then I have to soak after. I have used coconut chips on my phals but on my minis I am using a seedling mix and I am putting even more spagh in the mix. It is so dry here I still after having re-potted am having to water them every other day. I just check the mix and see if it is dry. Larger pots shouldn't have to be watered that much.

I'm thinking that they are not getting enough water after being re-potted and that's why they are not doing good.

[wintergirl]

Originally Posted by labyrinth1959

One video that I came across suggests using 3% peroxide to sterilize the orchid roots before repotting. This seems a bit extreme to me. What are your opinions on this? Is there something else that would be a better choice. It seems like every time I repot it sets the orchid back or nearly kills it.

I have only used it once when I found critters in a new arriving pot. For the most part I don't soak my pots or roots during the repot. (there are a few exceptions with plants different than phals) I also keep them dry for at least a day or 2 after the procedure to let the roots heal before getting them wet again. Then after this you must remember that your bark/media is new and does not absorb water as well. Your plant will need more water at first after repotting until the bark can retain the moisture. Everyone has their own method, this works for me.

[labyrinth1959]

Originally Posted by No-Pro-mwa

I would not use hydrogen peroxide on the roots. Can you get any seaweed? This will really help with root stimulation. I have been using it and my roots are going crazy.

I have done both soak and not soak but if I don't soak before I re-pot then I have to soak after. I have used coconut chips on my phals but on my minis I am using a seedling mix and I am putting even more spagh in the mix. It is so dry here I still after having re-potted am having to water them every other day. I just check the mix and see if it is dry. Larger pots shouldn't have to be watered that much.

I'm thinking that they are not getting enough water after being re-potted and that's why they are not doing good.

Please elaborate on the seaweed. Is this actual seaweed material or some sort of slurry. Where do you get it?