Rehab orchid-- time to move into pot?

[meliana]

Hi Orchidboard,

I am working on a rehab phal-- a NOID with a severe case of root rot. So far I've had it set up for the past month or so propped up on a skewer, in a jar under seran wrap, with the remaining roots just above the water. Once a week or so, I scoot the little guy down the skewer so that the roots can get a little water for a few hours. So far it's working great and the plant has improved... the leaves have perked back up from being completely dessicated and have grown a little, and the old roots have fleshed out as well.

My question is, how and when should I repot? I'm wary since there's no completely new growth, but I don't know how sustainable the current set-up is... this was a last-ditch effort and I assumed the plant would die right off the bat, so I definitely have not planned for the future! I'm not sure what kind of potting media would be best for it at this stage, if I should give it superthrive or any fertilizers, etc. Helpful info-- the rest of my phals are thriving in plastic pots and bark mix, I tend to underwater, and my home is very dry and warm, with little light. Thank you!

[WeirdGuySeattle]

looks like you could put it in a pot - keep the pot small. I'd use medium or fine bark. Those roots should do fine I think.

[Wild Orchid]

Good job growing those roots!

My personal experience, spraying new roots instead of regular watering is a safer approach as the plant will be adjusting again.
Also many of my rescue patients are doing better when the roots are mostly sit upon the media as opposed to being covered by bark.

[james mickelso]

Wild Orchid, that is correct. Because the roots can breathe. They grow naturally on tree trunks and branches hanging down so water does not pool in the crown. They are watered nearly daily this way. That is why they do well on top the media.

[meliana]

Thanks guys, setting the plant on top of the media and spraying is exactly the kind of intermediate setup I was looking for.

[meliana]

And we've got new growth! It's tiny, and looks like it could have the makings of a spike-mitten... let's hope I'm wrong and it's a nice, healthy root. There might be one or two more on their way, judging from bulges on the stem. Thanks for your guidance