Phrag Grande root rot

[Kailyn]

Hello not certain if this is the best place to post so may copy into the beginner thread after. I recently got a young Phrag Grande which has been a wish list plant for me for awhile now. It is my first phrag but i have had success with paphs and phals so according to other people i should be ok. (big should there IMO). It suffered some cold damage and I repotted it into a terrestrial mix, it only had a couple not very viable roots and over all it looks like its declining. I want to repot it again but i'm not sure what medium i should try. straight sphag to encourage roots(typically what i use for getting roots going or should i try LECA and hope the new roots grow into it well? Its on a heat mat in a bag to help with humidity.

[signin1234]

It should be okay in whatever mix you use, as long as it's an orchid appropriate mix. They are very forgiving and adaptable in this regard. The main thing is keep the roots from drying out. They do not like dry conditions. They also prefer good quality water, and sometimes tap isn't the best due to additives and lots of dissolved solids.

[WaterWitchin]

Personally, I wouldn't put it in straight sphag. Not enough aeration. Did it arrive to you with cold damage and poor roots? Have you grown in SH before (your LECA comment)?

Mine grows in SH, and transferred to it without a hitch. If you choose to grow it that way, start that way. Otherwise you're defeating the purpose to attempt moving to SH once it really gets going.

Put a root stimulator on it. Make sure you're using a pure water, i.e., rainwater or RO water. If you choose a semi-terrestrial mix, here's what AOS suggests: A fairly porous mix is recommended, consisting of five parts medium fir bark, two parts Canadian peat and one part each charcoal, extra coarse Sponge Rok #4 and ½-inch (1.25-cm) Stalite. Combine components in these proportions to produce a mix that provides support for the roots while allowing them to breath and resist becoming water-logged. (I give you that recipe, as I don't grow in bark.) Someone who does and grows Phrags may give you a better opinion.