Black and Yellow Spots on Phalaenopsis

[FliNow]

Ok, I was given this Phalaenopsis yesterday and it is obviously not happy. If you look at the edge of the pot, you will see the plastic wrapping type pot that it was in. The plastic pot only had one hole in the bottom. The entire thing was PACKED in sphagnum moss and was showing signs of possible rot... although it seems to have a good batch of healthy looking roots at the bottom.

It is blooming wonderfully right now so I didn't want to disturb it any more than necessary, but I did cut off the plastic part and rinse the "root ball" (the clump of roots and sphagnum) really well, let it drain and then just set it down in the clay pot where it has plenty of room for air circulation around the roots and placed it in a well-ventilated area. Roughly 48% humidity and a fan running. The room is naturally bright but no direct sun on the plant itself.

So does anybody have any idea what this is or what I should do to bring it around?

I am pretty new to the orchid obsession so any and all information is appreciated!!!

[Dollythehun]

I don't think that damage is anything to worry about. Now water when the moss is crunchy.

[FliNow]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

I don't think that damage is anything to worry about. Now water when the moss is crunchy.

Thank you. I wondered if that might be the case but wanted to check in with those with more experience.!

[No-Pro-mwa]

When I get them in those flimsy pots, I take a sharp knife making sure I don't cut a root and cut slits in the pot so more air can get in.

[FliNow]

Originally Posted by No-Pro-mwa

When I get them in those flimsy pots, I take a sharp knife making sure I don't cut a root and cut slits in the pot so more air can get in.

Since it’s so bad I just took the pot clear off and set the whole thing into the ceramic pot until it is done blooming. Thank you for confirming the need for air!

[Dollythehun]

Is it ceramic, or red clay? Obviously, you know the ceramic would keep it wetter than unglazed clay.

[FliNow]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Is it ceramic, or red clay? Obviously, you know the ceramic would keep it wetter than unglazed clay.

Or is ceramic until I can get out and get a clay pot. But there is nearly an inch of air space between the roots and the pot so ther is much more opportunity for air than previously available in the tight plastic.

[Dollythehun]

I didn't mean to sound like you didn't know. You just can't take anything for granted anymore.

[FliNow]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

I didn't mean to sound like you didn't know. You just can't take anything for granted anymore.

No! You are great! I appreciate all of the comments. I was simply replying. I am very new to this and visited a couple of places over the weekend.

I picked up 5 new plants that I had on my "orchid grocery list" and ended up coming home with about 12 additional plants that were just given to me. So I am scrambling to research how to care for all of them and get the ones that are damaged or in poor health taken care of too.

So ALL the help I can get... THE BETTER!!

I'm actually glad you said something because it confirmed my thoughts this morning of putting it in a terracotta pot to help it get air and dry out a little.

THANK YOU!

[greenpassion]

Yup. You have it. O.O. D. = "Orchid Obsession Disorder"!