repotting
 

so i probably should have read more before i repotted. so here is my story and question. so i have been rescuing random orchids from lowes. when i get them they are in bad shape, i'm only paying 2 or 3 bucks a piece, so i am willing to take the gamble on life or death for them... makes me feel better that i tried and they didn't get thrown in the dumpster. any who... so upon getting them out of the packed sphagnum, some sopping wet, some haven't seen water in a long time, i have got them all repotted and cleaned up and i actually have quite a bit of new growth in the leafs and roots which surprised me seeing as i have had them for like a week and a half. so my question is....... i only soaked the bark mixture for like 10 mins, and i noticed that it dried out within 2 to 3 days, should i be watering more with new media since i didn't soak the new stuff longer? or should i let them really dry out good before watering again. most of them are phals. 3 are dendros.

since you repotted in bark, they will dry fast...water phals every other day...but the dends loves water...water them every morning and when the bark is used to absorbing water...water only when dry
even if you forget for a week...they wont die...just water when dry...you will be fine

Bark that hasn't been thoroughly soaked will dry out very quickly and is somewhat hard to wet. You should perhaps water a bit more for a while if my experience is any guide, but make sure you are not overwatering them

New bark will dry quickly the first few weeks. You can soak it, or water more often. I use skewers in the media to determine when water is needed - definitely is helpful with fresh bark. I allow Phals to get nearly dry before watering.

What type of Dens do you have?

thanks for the info and i love the idea about the skewers.

Make sure the skewer is at an angle and goes through to the middle of the pot which is where media tends to stay damper.. to 'test' just put the skewer to your cheek. If it feels wet or cold it does not need watering yet.

ahhh very good point, i dont know i would have thought to angle it to the middle.... thanks

Be sure you do not use the same skewer as you go from plant to plant as you will spread any problems from one pot to another.