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Basic Care for New Phalaenopsis and Oncidium Orchids

Immediate Repotting

Both need repotting from tight sphagnum moss. Use commercial orchid bark mix (sift fines, soak). Plastic pots with drainage, sized to roots. Trim mushy roots. Don't remove old spikes—they may rebloom.

Why Not Moss

Moss packs too tight, excludes air from roots. Bark mix provides aeration.

Orchids: Moss and Decorative Rocks on Orchid Roots: Remove or Leave?; The Dangers of Ice Watering: Saving a Yellowing Phalaenopsis; Shriveling Aerial Roots and Fading Flowers: Normal or Trouble?; Dendrobium 'Leopard Prince' with Crown/Root Rot: Emergency Repot; Phalaenopsis Aerial Roots: Repot in Fresh Bark Mix; Rescuing a Phalaenopsis After Repotting Shock: Saving Blooms and Roots; Reviving a Sentimental Dtps. Newberry Parfait Orchid: Complete Care Guide; Colmanara Wildcat Orchid Care: Watering, Light, and Recovery from Overwatering; Non-Blooming Phalaenopsis: Repotting, Light, and Bloom Booster Strategy; Phalaenopsis amabilis: Beginner Care Guide

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