Quote:
Originally Posted by jennygn
Thank you! I've actually just taken it out of the ceramic pot for now until I get something else, as you're right, and it does not have a drainage hole. I'm planning to get a mix that has fir bark, hardwood charcoal, and sponge rock... Will that be okay?
I read over some of the thread you suggested and the website that Bud gave me. Do I need to wait until it loses its blooms before I change the moss out with something else, or are you saying I need to do it as soon as I can? There are a couple of rotting roots on the bottom that need trimmed back... When do I do this? Do the aerial roots look okay in the pics, or do they look to be dying? I'm confused about that. I don't know if they are dying, if I need to cut them back, too.
Sorry for all the questions, but I do appreciate everyone's help!!
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The mix sounds fine.
And as others have said, repotting while the Phal is in bloom will usually not do anything to make the buds drop.
I would change the orchid's potting mix out asap, because these Phals are usually mistreated before they get to the final consumer, (in this case, that'd be you).
This is a link to show you a basic idea of what an intact and healthy Phalaenopsis root should ideally look like:
http://www.aboutorchids.com/blog/wp-...oots_640px.jpg
Here's another link to what a good strong Phalaenopsis root system should look like, but this one is more likely what most people will see in their orchids a large proportion of the times:
Agrumi - Phalaenopsis equestris x braceana Braquestris Melmi Habitus Roots Wurzeln IMG_9455.jpg
As far as I see, the roots that are on the surface of the potting media and the root that is climbing out of the pot are alive. However, this says absolutely nothing about the roots that are being obscured by the potting media. To inspect the roots completely and thoroughly, you need to remove the orchid from the pot and to remove as much of the potting media from the roots as possible while doing as little damage to them as possible.
Don't worry if a couple roots snap by accident. It happens all the time, and is usually not a big deal to the orchid.
A nice trick to make repotting easier is to wet the roots prior to repotting.