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.

They might be far enough along. Pick out those more mature pods, let them dry down in a well ventilated place and then shell them out. Let the shelled out seed dry until it is really good and dry and then, if you really want to play it safe, seal it in an airtight container and store it in the freezer until next spring. This would conserve some vitality, if the seed is borderline. Next spring, you could start some in peat pots, just to coddle them, and set them out for seed. That's what I would do, if I had to. Still, if might be a lot faster and more efficient, if you asked for the name and number of the stand owner. Surely he or she is planting a well known variety and would have no problem telling you the name. George Tahlequah, OK

I have one canvas bag that is never used for groceries. I use it for packing picnic things or other non food items to carry somewhere. Seems to me the poly bags are more sanitary by their design. And keeping them clean is not difficult. You don't put meats and sloppy things in there without a liner. Simple concept. But effective. But it wouldn't surprise me to see grungy bags. People are such pigs in virtually every other way, why would it be different with the bags? Was at the store the other day with a friend and she wanted to pick up some makeup. Talk about overpackaging! And we're not talking about a bag in a box! These hard-shell cases inside plastic wrap inside a blister pack on a card. For the little dab of war paint in there it requires a tackle box for a container?! However I disagree with criticizing cereal in a bag in a box. I'm disgusted with anything that isn't in a plastic liner, for instance pasta. That requires immediate wrapping in plastic and insertion into the freezer. This part of the country doesn't have the trouble with bugs and rodents like other parts experience. My cousin in Texas talks all the time about the need for Tupperware. And for the outer box, it isn't totally mandatory but the storing, transporting and the like is far better by using a lightweight box. Less damaged product too. So much of the packaging can be reused and/or recycled. I laugh at people who cry about all these bottles "going to the landfill"! LOL Simple laziness. Recycle it. But I realize that people are slobs. There's lots of ways people can help themselves, the planet and all the feelgood folks but I don't think people really want to make the effort. But people are gullible pigs.