Re-potting a sphag n bag phal

[WhiteWinds]

Hey folks!

I've had a phal in a bag for over a month now and it has regrown new roots. It has one well established new root and two that have just started growing from the crown.

The other day I noticed that it had started growing a new leaf and decided now was possibly the time to re-pott it. But I'm not sure if I have done the right thing and am worried that its new roots will die.

I have potted it up in a small clear plastic container (made some side slits to it as well) in a moist (but not soaked) 80% bark 20% white sphagnum moss mix. I've only filled the container half full as I don't want the new roots to rot.

I'm worried about it's leaves as one has a tear in it and the rest are very floppy and wrinkled. Should I place a bag over the pot to try and up humidity? Sort of a half way house from its previous environment?

How often should one water a plant with struggling roots?

I really don't want to kill now it after all the long weeks in it's bag. Poor little guy.

Thanks for any advice,

Amanda

[RosieC]

I've tried a bag over the pot in the past but had some probems with mold. If you do, put a hole in the top to allow there to still be airflow.

Sometimes the limp leaves will never plump up if they have gone to far. It's a good sign that it has new roots and a new leaf starting.

This is the best time of year for growth and I think potting up now while it's still growing those new bits is a good idea as the roots will then grow into the medium you have chosen.

Sounds to me like you've done the right things.

[Paul Mc]

I'm interested in this as well. I've had a phal in "intensive care" (a.k.a. sphag and bag) for a long time now but still no roots. I'm hoping for roots soon and am wondering when it should be moved, and how. I like your idea of the half-way house.

[RosieC]

I found that on my one that got really bad, the roots started growing arround this time of year. I also started watering with slightly warm water arround the same time which could have also helped.

[Kelo]

I used warmed water too when spraying my plants as cold water could easily shock the plant - I think(?).

[WhiteWinds]

Gahhh! Was considering watering the sick orchid today, but thought I check on how its roots were first. So I pulled it up and saw instantly that the healthy green tipped root I'd been nurturing over the past month and a half is turning yellow.

Clearly the bark was a little too moist...but when I potted it the bark felt almost dry to the touch. Gahhh Orchid is back in the bag again. Hopefully the root can recover?

[Captainjohn]

I use 100% sphagnum moss in the pot when transplanting from sphag-in-a-bag. There is less adjustment that the plant must make as opposed to switching from the sphag in the bag to 80% bark. Also, I find it easier to monitor moisture in sphag by color and texture. (Keep it on the dry side) I'm always guessing when using bark. You can move to bark later once the plant is established.