Humidifier for newly reported phalaenopsis?

[PaintedPhal]

I just reported some phals that had been overly packed in sphagnum when I bought them. Unfortunately ever since I repotted, the roots seem very dry and the texture does not seem as healthy as before. I planted in a media with mostly bark, a small bit of sphagnum and some clay pellets.

I've moved them all into the bathroom, which is the most humid room in my apartment. I've also just bought a humidifier for them. Does anyone else use a humidifier on orchids? If so have you had any success? How often do you use the humidifier on the plants?

Also, do you have any advice on how to help the plants recover from the shock of repotting?

Thank you for any and all comments/advice!

[PaintedPhal]

Also, here are some pictures of the roots, which I just watered today.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Unless you live somewhere arid (dry apartment or somewhere in the western USA) I would consider getting rid of the sphagnum (though if you are careful to let the medium go nearly dry between watering, it is OK to leave it).

The condition of the leaves/roots is most likely due to a small root system. You can probably improve the roots you have, and the overall condition of the plant, if you soak the roots for a while each time you water. When fully hydrated, the newer roots will turn green. After a soak, wait until those green roots become silvery, and condensation visible on the inside of the pot is reduced, before you soak again.

Regarding the humidifier, I don't use one, but it might help if you are in a dry climate. The mist from it should not condense water on the leaves (that would encourage crown rot).

Good luck!

[wintergirl]

It doesn't look like you have too much s.moss so it probably will be fine. I use a little in some of my phals without any problems here in the Midwest. When repotting the new bark does not soak up the water as easily as older bark at first. So your plant maybe a little drier at first. I agree with Orchid Whisper about giving the roots a good soak, let let them dry until they are white/silvery.

As far as a humidifier. You can get a gauge in the plant section of Lowes for $10. It tells temp & humidity. If your humidity is 20 or below then get a table top humidifier. Right now in the Midwest my grow area is 50-60% on it's own. My first winter of growing orchids my phal leaves got papery when the room was 20%, after that I used a humidifier. As far as the type of humidifier get a cold one with a filter if you use tap water. The ultrasonic ones can give a dust if you use tap water.

[PaintedPhal]

Thank you both for the insight. I had been waiting two weeks to water because the roots were staying nice and green in the moss for that long. Now that I reported though, they look so dried out, which is probably as you say, wintergirl due to the bark.

I just watered them yesterday and the roots already look dry! I don't want to overwater but they look pretty thirsty. I hope it will recover.

[Orchid Whisperer]

As far as the roots are concerned, you can soak them a good while in water, even for a few hours, as long as they get that drying time and air circulation in between soaks. The open bark allows air circulation to the roots, which the roots do need.

Overwatering has nothing to do with giving too much water at one watering. Instead, it is related to watering too often and not allowing the orchid to dry enough to maintain healthy roots. When orchid roots die, it is usually because the medium is staying too wet.

Phalaenopsis use their thick roots as water storage. so, the extended soaks allow them to 'tank up'.

[PaintedPhal]

That's a good idea. I typically soak them for five minutes, but when I water tomorrow I'll leave them in their bath for much longer to get the media soaked through.