Not sure if I did the right thing(Phalaenopsis)

[CLWheeler]

Long story (Sorry) I got a Phal last November for my son's birth. I've never had an orchid. Being a busy new mom the most it got was water. I did prune it after its bloom though.
The tricky situation. I noticed lots of new roots growing up and out. (History- The phal was from a florist and was in a small plastic container with lots of moss(inside fancy pot) one drainage hole on bottom)
I thought this meant it needed re-potting (by way of lots of internet reading) When I removed the phal from the fancy pot it was so root bound in the small plastic container. I was scared what to do! It was also VERY wet!
I cut the container away and slowly and gently removed all the moss from the roots. The roots looked bad! Some green and black, some tiny white and shriveled. Most were broken and fell off, I cut all the bad away. This didn't leave much, all but the new growth. By following many videos and reading I re-potted and some new roots broke I'm afraid I killed it!
I re-potted yesterday, when will I know if it is ok?

[RandomGemini]

It will take a while for it to recover. I have a Phal I bought in rough shape. Very few roots. I did the same as you. Cut away the bad, kept the good and repotted. It's finally growing new roots for me, and I got the plant this past summer. Be patient, keep an eye on it, but try to move it as little as possible. Nothing in orchid growing happens quickly.

[CLWheeler]

I saw these little buds start up but i bet they will stop now. I am patient so I hope it does ok
Thanks

[WhiteRabbit]

If there are roots growing, I think it stands a fair chance.

Good luck!

[Ben Belton]

Let it dry out good between watering. Usually Phals don't like to dry out too much but until those roots that were growing in the air develop new shoots that are accustom to growing in a pot, you don't want to keep it too wet. Sounds like you did a good job.

[CLWheeler]

There are 3 very good air roots growing straight up. 1 new root tip. Leaves are firm and green on top, lowers have some yellow starting but they are also the oldest leaves. I'll take some pictures tomorrow.
Should I mist the air roots? I have read conflicting threads about water everyday to weekly.
I appreciate all the help Thanks!

[Ben Belton]

Watering everyday to weekly applies to watering the plant. You can mist the aerial roots all you want. Don't let the mist settle into and pool next to the base of the leaf and the stalk of the plant or you will get rot and that will be the end of the plant.

Don't know how effective misting of the aerial roots will be but if your roots in the mix are in bad shape, it will definitely not hurt.

Sounds like your plant is doing OK.

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[RandomGemini]

I think how often an orchid gets watered, depends greatly on where the plant originated. There are orchids in every known climate. Their needs are as diverse as the earth.

So, focus on your specific plant. You have a Phal. It's likely a hybrid. Most Phal hybrids have parents that originate in the Philippines, but some parents might come from someplace else. It's really hard to know without a positive ID.

But, it's probably safe to assume that the plant will respond to the same care as other Phal hybrids.

What I do for mine is water once every 7-10 days and I fertilize at one quarter strength recommended on the package, when I water. My phals grow in an east facing window with a cfl for supplemental light and the temp stays around 72 degrees in their room. I also try to maintain humidity at around 40%. I do let the medium dry out completely before watering because I feel that it's better to keep a Phal too dry, than it is to allow it to be too wet. Phals are very susceptible to rot. Roots that are too damp are in a perfect storm sort of situation for allowing rot to take hold.

[RosieC]

For ones with very few roots I like to pot in as small a pot as possible. Then water when the medium dries. Use lots of water when watering but make sure it doesn't stay standing in water.

I would mist the arial roots in your case, but as Ben says don't let the mist pool on the leaves, if it does wipe off with a paper towel.

[CLWheeler]

Hi again,
I have noticed the little buds have stayed the same. Wondering if I should just cut the stalks off. Maybe too much energy went into the new roots and re-potting. I don't mind leaving them but if its better to start over let me know