That looks like a very open, dry bark. Great for aeration, poor for water-holding capacity until well broken-in.

I suggest you put it in the sink and run lukewarm water through it for a good 15 minutes, rotating periodically to make sure it's all wetted. Wait 30-60 minutes, and repeat.

You'll find that the bark will hold more moisture going forth, and never let it dry out completely.

You beat me to it, Ray. Lady Meera, I'm guessing that you didn't pre-moisten the bark before you used it. It has very little water retention unless it's already moist, so Ray's suggestion is excellent at this point.

For future repotting, if you dump boiling water over the mix (you don't need a lot, just enough to wet the mix) the day before you want to use it and then seal the bag it should be well moistened and cool the next day when your ready for it.

It's an orchid mix that is primarily bark with some charcoal and sponge rock I think. I don't remember the brand but the bag had an AOS approval stamp.

---------- Post added at 10:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------

Thanks guys! No I don't think I soaked this batch before I potted with it. I'm still learning :) I will take your advice and let you know how I make out!

That is impressive .

Well, I have to admit I don't spray mine pre use. Everyone says that the roots need a dry spell after repotting for breaks to heal, so I figure that'll do. Mind you, I am watering every day.... so I figure it all comes out in the wash, ahaha.

I do sieve the bark to take out all the dust and small bits.

That's the only worry I would have with your mix, in that are the sponge rock and charcoal small pieces that fill the gaps betweenn the bits of bark? I like mine so open it is impossible to overwater it, as I always see suffocated roots as the big threat.

I thought the same thing when I first opened the bag but the water seems to run freely through when I water them. When I repotted this one I found that while it looked like it was potted in bark from the nursery, the roots were actually packed in moss, hence all the root damage. Maybe this one is struggling a bit because of the change in medium around the remaining roots. Everything else potted in this mix is doing great, but nothing else had to lose so many roots either.

Well, all mixes when new allow water to run thru. I'm trying to look ahead a year when the mix is compacting a bit..
I have repotted some of mine after their first year, to get them into shallower pots, and tbh, the bark was still so good I reused it.

Okay, I'll keep my eye out. Thanks!

I envy those phals with nice plump roots. I hope my phal will grow more roots, too.

UPDATE
 

Hello everyone!

I though I would post an update on this orchid. I moved it to a smaller, clear plastic pot and repotted it in the repotme classic dark phal mix. I soaked it for its waterings for a couple months over the summer but now just water from above. The leaves are no longer droopy and the roots have grown wonderfully. Every few weeks I have to coax them down into the medium and add more on top to keep them covered. To my great surprise, it recently rewarded me with a new spike!!!!:dance:

Thank you all for the wonderful advice on this plant!