Starting over

[Hilary]

Hi, I was looking for a little guidance in the orchid area. I have just let my one and only orchid die due to root rot. I bought a Phalaenopsis in Feb 2009, it never bloomed or even came close, and just in the last 2 months or so the leaves started falling off. I thought it had a fungus because one of the leaves turned black so we cut it off and treated it. About 2 weeks ago the last leaf (of 4) fell off and a little tiny one started growing up in the middle so i thought it was still trying to grow. I had no idea there was such a thing as root rot. We only watered it every 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. After doing some research I found out thats prolly what killed it.

It was repotted about 18 months ago in the moss and we haven't done anything else for it as far as taking it apart to "fluff" the moss. when I pulled it out there was a very dense chunk right in the center of the roots.

So I am trying the ziplock bag with some moist moss to see if there is any life left in it (it is mostly all black) but i'm also going to go buy another one to start over.

I want to get it right this time, What are my first few steps to buying a new plant?

[vanda_obsession]

I'm sure one of the phal experts will come through and give you a helpful response... I have a knack for growing orchids that are free hanging or in baskets... I have horrible luck with almost any potted orchid.

[tangers40]

for starters, if you had trouble with sphag moss holding too much water with your previous plant (this is a very common problem), try a bark mix with your new plant. place a bamboo skewer in the mix to judge moisture level...if the skewer is still cool and moist, the bark is moist as well and you don't need to water; if the skewer is dry, it's time to water your orchid.