My 13 year old phal has only been grown in pure pine bark. I water by setting it in a container and fill with water up to the top of the pot and let it soak for 20 minutes or so. I do this once a week in summer and about every 10 days in winter Mine summers in shade on my porch until night temps dip below 40F. The cool nights help trigger flowering.

tj

The fof, From the looks of your photos, I do not see any major problems with your orchid. Getting the plant out of the ceramic pot and ½” of water is probably what saved it for you. Orchid roots in standing water only last a few days before root rot sets in.

The plant does appear to be a Phalaenopsis, but if the blooms were truly blue, they had probably been dyed that color. They can cut the bloom spike, and insert a dye that colors all the blooms. Colors that “Mother Nature” has never seen before.

Your potting was basically correct, but…. I would suggest you should have left the plant with trimmed roots unpotted for a day or so to allow the cut roots to heal a bit. At the time you trimmed the roots, place the potting mix in a porous bag and submerge it in water until you are ready to repot. Wet bark mix produces much less dust, and is generally easier to work with, not to mention it holds lots more water. When you get the plant potted, water it and set it aside in a shady location and allow it to get really dry before putting it on the bench where you are going to grow it. This is more of the “letting the roots heal process”. You are well past this step now. Light misting is fine during this time, or anytime, orchids love a cool shower from time to time.

Normally your orchid mix will allow water to pass right through the pot, but once wetted once it usually retains water much better. If it still does not hold enough water to make you happy, add a couple of drops of dish washing detergent to the water for a few waterings.

I, personally don’t use Sphagnum unless I have a plant that likes a really moist growing situation. Phal’s don’t.

To me, your plant looks happy in the situation you have it in. I’m not sure of what kind of bark your mix has for the primarily ingredient, but it looks more like a Fir type than Pine. What we call pine trees in South Carolina is usually not recommended for orchid mixes. Our pines are predominately Loblolly, and Long Leaf, and the Fir bark usually comes from Canada or the western parts of the U.S.

If you are going to call me a “guru”, that’s fine. My suggestion would be for you to enjoy your plant. You appear to have done well by it.

Bill

Bill.

Lots of good advice.

Your comment " Orchid roots in standing water only last a few days before root rot sets in. " answers a question I've tried to solve, online, with no success.

Pine/Fir. A good question. When I saw the repotting mix, I immediately saw what I know as Pine - red/brown, looks like multiple layers compressed in irregular chunks. The pack only says bark.

To me pine bark will absorb water but very reluctantly. Its very hydrophobic.

What I know as Fir bark tends to be greyer and is more fibrous, and is much less water repellent. I haven't seen fir bark products for years, its all pine.

Again. Thanks

Fof

I use only pine bark, big chunks and little ones. Perfect!