Inherited Phalaenopsis Pair: One Blooming, One Critical—Triage & Repotting

Inherited two phals 6 days ago. Orchid A: blooming, 3 large leaves (reddish base), roots whitish/no green tips. Clear plastic pot, wood-chip mix with white sooty stuff. Dead leaf bases/roots visible. Orchid B: worse—1 large droopy/wrinkly leaf, 1 medium, 1 budding. Roots greenish-brown/wrinkly. Mix has some sooty stuff + dark green algae. Both watered Sunday & Thursday (finger test). SE window, Cleveland winter, dry heat.

Triage: Focus on Non-Bloomer First

Both need repotting, but don't disturb blooming Orchid A yet. Cut back watering; let it finish flowering. Rule: if unsure about watering, don't. Overwatering kills more than underwatering. Broken-down mix stays wet → limits air → white mold.

Repotting Orchid B Now

1. Source mix: Roberts Flower Supply (Cleveland area: 12390 Root Rd, Columbia Station, 440-236-5571, orchidmix.com) or Lowe's/Home Depot (choose fir bark type).
2. Soak mix several hours—dry bark repels water.
3. Unpot; discard old mix (ok to leave some on roots).
4. Remove mushy/stringy roots. Healthy = firm, green when wet.
5. Fit roots in old pot or ½–1" larger. Add wet mix, tap to settle. Fill to 1" below rim.
6. Drain 1 day before moving to growing area.

After this, you'll be ready for Orchid A post-bloom.