Is ...it ...dead?

[Crash_reynolds]

Hi there,

Looking to know if this plant has any hope?

[rbarata]

I think it has some probabilities...

But before the treatment, can you give us some background history about how it reached that condition?
It might be useful.

[Subrosa]

Mostly dead, which is still slightly alive.

[Crash_reynolds]

Well, it’s been watered weekly. It lives in a sunny room. I try not to overwater- but it seems the roots are rotted? It only bloomed once- when I got it a year ago. I pulled it out of the moss today and took this picture of what I found.

[rbarata]

Sunny room? Does it has been getting sun? How much?
About moss....forget moss...bark is better for this type of orchid (Phalaenopsis, I think). Where do you live in the US, if I may ask?

[Crash_reynolds]

Yes, it’s sunny. Large sliding doors facing southeast. I live in central PA. I have a spider plant and a Christmas cactus that do well in there. The orchid is not in direct sun.

Thanks for the tip on the bark- I can give that a shot. Do you think I should try repotting?

[rbarata]

The treatment must be some kind of solution that provides humidity and warm temps to the plant to promote new root growing.
Put it like it is, no pot, nothing, inside a plastic bag with a little bit of wet moss to give moisture to the air inside the bag. Put it in a place with indirect bright light and warm temps. Don't let the moss get in touch with the roots or the stem...the idea is to let the plant absorb the water from the humidity in the air.

Maybe some people have other sugestions so let's see.

Note: Phalaenopsis are medium light plants. It means a southern window with the plant near the glass might be too much light. Two meters away from the window it's ok (that's 6 to 7 ft).

[Crash_reynolds]

Hey thanks! That’s super helpful!

[rbarata]

As soon as you see new roots growing, let them get at least 1 in then pot it in bark. Moss is good for plants that need a lot of moisture around the roots. The downside is that it takes a lot of time to get dry and it clogs the voids in the medium needed for the roots to breath.

As a note, don't put the bag where it can get too hot. Remember, it is sealed so temp inside can get over the desired values if it gets sun or any other excessive heat source.
Everynow and then, open the bag to replace the air inside, make sure the moss is wet and seal it again.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

It looks like a Phalaenopsis. They are commonly sold in sphagnum moss. It is possible to grow them well in this medium, but it requires attention to detail.

Most likely the roots rotted from being trapped in wet moss. The plant probably has enough life in it to grow more roots and survive.

There is an excellent sticky thread here on Orchid Board that teaches how to grow Phals. From the left yellow menu select Forums, then Beginners. Near the top look for The Phal abuse ends here. You have been given good advice above, but I suggest you peruse the sticky thread before doing anything.