Phal root and repotting question

[OrchidPhoenix]

As you may have read in my intro, I just bought two plants, both of wich i beilive are phal. I am Extremely new to orchids and while i understand the basics i am trying to figure out where they will be the happiest and healthiest with me. I live in the central florida area and have a nice screened porch(florida room). I thought that maybe they would be happy out there but I think i may have "burned" one of them. I have since brought them back into the house and am very upset that some of the ariel roots look shriveled now (too much sun?) Should i repot? I am also worried that there may be some rot as some of the roots look yellow that are residing within the pot. Im very confused on the watering and humidity care. Atattched are some pictures of the blooms and the roots. Thank you!
Orchid Phoenix

[quiltergal]

The plant in your picture is a Phalaeonopsis. They should be fine outside on your porch in Florida. They don't like direct sun at all. You may have to water more often if it's warm out there. Sometimes there is an adjustment period plants go through when you bring them home. I've found that existing aerial roots do the same thing when I first bring the plant home. Once it adjusts it sends out new aerials and all is well.

If you're not sure when to water use the bamboo skewer test. Insert the bamboo skewer so it's approximately in the middle of the medium. Leave it in there and pull it out the next day. Touch it to your wrist. If it's cool wait to water. Keep doing that until the skewer is no longer cool to the touch. Then water. Phals aren't too picky about humidity. That's why they make great houseplants. If that plant were mine I would probably repot it.

[philoserenus]

ya i agree, i dun wry too much about the drying aerial roots b/c mainy itz due to the different environments (the new home vs where it was grown). once it has adjusted, i'll grow new ones.

as for the bamboo skewer, it works. but i go by weight. i hold mines right after it is watered and when its quite dry. u will feel quite a difference after a while's worth of practice

[Dorothy]

I have placed some sphag moss on the top of the medium to cover any aerial roots that are exposed to the air as they dry out very quickly (at this time of the year in the NorthEast with indoor heating) .. so long as I keep the moss moist, the roots don't dry out
I am not sure under your conditions if this is benefical but it might be worth a try ..

[OrchidPhoenix]

Thank you so much for all the replies! I cant tell you how reasuuring it is to now that there is some one out there that doenst think ive lost my ever lovin mind over these plants, LOL.
Dorothy, thats a great idea! I will be getting some of the orchid medium and moss today!

Nick, thank you for the ressurance, Im pretty sure im just alot paranoid about my plants, lol.

Terri, thank you very much for the information. Im also going out to get the skewer today as I am a very visual person and this sounds like the best option for me to gadge watering needs. Might I ask why you would repot? My reasoning is that A) new plant, not sure how long its been in that medium/pot B)new plant, root inspection.C)growing room.
but i am concerned that it is in bloom still, and i have been told that its not a good idea to repot at this time. i have also been told that these plants could flower all year, LOL. My gut is saying repot as well.

I just wanted to add here that i also bought another orchid at the same time as the orchid in question. "she" is doing quiet well, has another spike, and 3 places that look like they could bud soon!

Again thank you all for helping me gain a little sanity.

[OrchidPhoenix]

Hello again, just a little update. I bought the skewers and placed them in the medium, seems like the meduim is a bit tight in there. I also bought the moss. I presoaked it, squeezed out all the excess and placed it on the top o hte shrivled roots. When i woke this am the mos was dry so i misted just a bit. The skewers are coming out cool, and with some dirt on them, like if you stuck them in a brownie that wasnt baked all the way.

[Dorothy]

I am curious .. are they planted in 'dirt' or chucky medium? .. If stuff is on your skewers .. the medium maybe very broken down .. in that case, a repotting will be imminent.
It's best that phals be grown in either a bark mix, coconut husk chip mix or a medium that allows proper drainage and air circulation ..
There are some that have grown them in potting soil but it's definitely more difficult and less benefical to the phal.
Just wondering

[quiltergal]

My reasoning for suggesting repotting is the roots look more than just snug in the pot. Snug is one thing, strangled is another.

If the skewer is coming out looking "dirty" D is right the medium is most likely badly decomposed. Definiately time for a repot. Try a clear plastic orchid pot. You'll be able to monitor the roots, and see if there is any moisture left in the pot.

[OrchidPhoenix]

hopefuly these will help. it looks to me like they WERE in a bark type medium, but when i asked the lady when to replant she laughed and said dont worry about it, it will be a while. well im pretty sure these guys need some help. im just very concerned that i may do more harm than good, i have read all about the repotting experience but ive never done it. there is a club here that said they will replant them for m at the next meeting but thats in march, my gut is saying they need it soon.....

thanks so much for the help!
p.s
i bought orchid potting medium, and sphag moss, but i need to find bigger pots

[nenella]

I am not a total expert but looking at your last photo of the pot I dont think you need a bigger pot.. once you've taken off the old medium, cleaned all the roots and removed the dead ones, I am sure the plant will still fit into that same pot....
I'm sure the experts will tell you more!