Grocery store phal/roots

[gingersmommy]

Over the past six weeks, I have acquired three new grocery store orchids (mini's). I repotted them as soon as I got them into a mix of clay balls, white sponge rock, bark and a tiny bit of moss (I think I need more moss). They had gorgeous roots when I repotted them, although they were in moss with a solid moss plug center. All the roots were on the outside and top. It took me a long time to remove all the moss and I had to keep wetting.

Anyway, I have been watering once a week (clear pots). I soak the pots for about ten minutes in distilled water with a little fertilizer. Today I noticed that the roots I can see appear to be pretty dried up. I was really surprised (and very bummed out). I think my mix needs more moss because they seem to dry out so fast. Should I water more? FYI, I have a humidifier going pretty strong in my orchid room with a fan, and they are all on humidity trays.

My other question is, I have just repotted all of the new orchids, however, if I order some good quality moss, should I repot and mix more in with my medium while it's still early? These guys are making me nuts!

[Optimist]

Are they wrinkled? Phalaenopsis roots want to be dry between waterings.

You can love them to death.

I think that you should wait on re-potting until next potting is due.

[gingersmommy]

They went from bright green and plump to somewhat brown and thin. It's only been about a month or so. I was shocked.

[Optimist]

Do you see new growth? Are the roots "firm" even though they might be brown and thin.

Do you water at night? Never water-soak at night.

[gingersmommy]

There is not new growth on this one, however, I just got it recently. All of my other ones have new growth in various stages. I water during the day only. Just took these pics so you could see. Hope I can attach them all. Some have water on them where I dripped just now, but not in the crown. They are dusty, too, and could stand to be washed. It is a gorgeous, sunny day today, although we have 10" of snow! (Looking for how to paste a pic... don't know how to convert to url...)

[Lacie]

the best way to post pictures is to upload as attachments (go to "manage attachments" and then choose the images you want to upload)

[gingersmommy]

Oh, just found the "attachment" icon. Here is the roots picture. I guess they aren't brown after I removed the inner pot from the plastic one. They aren't as plump, however. Going to try to attach pics of my orchid collection.

[estación seca]

Can you tell us your relative humidity in percent, and the temperatures? This sounds like low humidity to me. It could also be cold temperatures.

[gingersmommy]

Here's the rest of my collection.

[gingersmommy]

I have a heater in the room and keep it at 74. Had to disconnect the smoke detector as the humidifier puts out so much steam.