Should I water my Aliceara/beallara?

[lauraeli]

I got it 8 days ago and havent watered it at all. The sphagnum moss still feels moist. The roots look good. These are pictures from yesterday.

[Ray]

Absolutely not. If it is that wet after that time period, I'd say the moss is packed too densely, and is stifling airflow to the roots - a key factor in orchid care.

[PaphMadMan]

Pretty typical of commercial practice where a NBS size plant is potted in sphagnum (which is quick and easy) for growth to flowering or saleable size. It is easier to ship and import than plants in healthier bark mixes, and is fine for short term greenhouse growth.

It should be repotted ASAP if you want to keep the plant healthy long term. Do not water until it is nearly dry. If you don't want to repot immediately, I would pull some of the sphagnum out of the center of the root ball from the bottom and replace with very course bark or styrofoam peanuts, something that lets in air and doesn't hold (much) water.

[lauraeli]

I like sphagnum moss but I don't pack it this tightly. All my orchids dry out to be watered every 3-5 days. I'm curious how the plant manages to grow and bloom this way in the greenhouse?