I also have a Phal. sphag 'n bag right now as well as one Paph. that I got from our local orchid society (unbeknownst to me, it was neglected and had NO roots). I was also having problems with new roots rotting with my Phal., but I knew immediately it's just too much moisture. Here's what I've done (just to the Phal.) and I now have six little nubs of roots on my Phal. as well as a new leaf: I first soaked the entire Phal. under water in a one gallon bucket for a few hours. I used my RO system for the water and made sure to have plenty of air in the water while I soaked the Phal. I took a cotton swab to the part the new leaves grow from so it doesn't rot out any new growth. I then soaked the stem in [overly strong] Dip 'n Grow for an hour or more (that was by accident - got busy with the kids - I meant to soak for 15-30 mins). Let stem dry. I placed the Phal. in a gallon-sized clear bag right near the opening and covered the stem with just damp sphag. very loosely. I put it in my greenhouse under the lights (about 18" away) and I have a humidifier & fan going, making sure the air gets to the Phal. The Phal. is currently lying on its side because that's the best I can do right now. I did have the root rot and the fungus problem once because I had the sphag. too wet. I hope this helps in your efforts to save your Phal. :-)

I guess we've all had that happen. Since you are doing everything you can to keep the moisture out might I suggest you double bag...put the fertilizer in the bag....into another bag...plasitc garbage bag can work and tie it securely. Or, put the contents into a plastic pail that has a tight fitting lid. Now...I'm going to assume a fact. You are placing this bag of fertilizer on the garage floor.....maybe off in a corner...out of sight. GET IT UP OFF THE FLOOR....garage floors (cement) can leach out the nitrogen from the bag of fertilizer to the extent its usefulness is affected the next time you use it. Put it on a wood surface....a pallet or a shelf will protect it. Use the large bag first. If the small bag is then what's left, there is not as much possible waste.

Miss Amy, your box did arrive yesterday and I apologize for not posting sooner. My grandbaby just went home and I wasn't online. Anyways, Amy sent me a wonderful box. It has a bottle holder in shades of blue and off white, an awesome assortment of mixes to put in my water, a hummingbird feeder, a rose scented soap, and seeds :prairie coneflower, blazing stars, portulaca, blanket flower, purple spiderwort! Thanks so much Amy..I loved it!

I do like the cider brined pork roast, but I never let it sit overnight, and I only use my own pork, the commercial stuff is nearly always already full of "flavor enhancers". I tried brining the turkey/chicken/pork etc. and just didn't care much for it and I seldom marinate beef either. I guess I just like the flavor of the meat itself, without adding anything. Plus brine just seems to add too much salt for my liking, I can taste the salt over everything else. Sorry about your pork loin, though, that type of experience is why I seldom buy prepared foods. I'm picky and I usually just don't like them. I don't think I've ever eaten any product at all from Smithfield, so maybe they just aren't good, as Beverly doesn't like their ham either. Annie