[jerrymeola]

You should alway try to learn why things were done.

The overgrown plastic pot is the way commercial growers sell plants this time of year. They are not repotted as often as a hobbist would because of the labor cost. They also flower better like this.

It was placed into a more decorative pot for sale. It just looks better. Also they often do not balance well after being taken from the growing trays. The decorative pot helped the plant stand up. Ther sphagnum moss on top was mostly decoration. Actually it is sold as pot covers preformed to fit the pot. It could be left or removed it does very little. Like any covering it will slow evaporation of water a little, but not significiently.

Your neighbor was correct to cut off the bad roots. Usually there are a significient number of them. When I repot I cut off any roots that show black or crushed. It looks drastic but a healty plant will be better for it.

Phalaenopsis are an orchid that can be repotted any time fo the year even when in bloom so do not be so frightened. I often repot for my customers at the time they buy the plant. I convert many to hdroponics or mounted.

Normally you do not want to overwater phals, but the clay pot and fir bark mixture is a very dry mix. It will require more water than other mediums. All growing mediums work well but all require slightly different watering techniques. I grow phals in sphagnum or hydyponics. Sphagnum is a wet medium and must have much less water than the mix you used. It is used by commercial growers because it requires less attention lowering costs, but for a hobbist it is an invite to overwatering.

One type of growing medium is not better than another in general just different. When you learn to be comfortable with one medium stay with it. Your choice will be based on your envirment and watering habits.

Listen to how others grow and see if their techniques fit your comfort level.

Ellen's advice should make you fell better while your neighbors actions left you very uncomfortable. Ellen's watering advice will not adapt exactly for your plant since it is the recommended way to water for older bark 6-12 months in the pot. New bark does not hold as much water and requires closer watching for a while. Very old bark deteriorates and holds so much water than it must be removed and changed every 2-3 years.