Phalaenopsis in Crisis: Sphagnum Bag Method for Rootless Plant & Keiki

Phal bought last summer, bloomed. Recently all leaves wilted. Overwatered? Bottom roots dead. Keiki on old spike with 2 new flowers? 2 aerial roots drying. Unpotted, cut dead roots. In plastic bag with 2" damp sphagnum, open 1" for air. 70°F room, west light (not in window). Montana. Pot in fir bark now or keep in bag? Aerial roots won't fit pot. Too warm? Best mix? 4 others in SE window (60°F night, 65°F day). Favorite supply source?

Current Bag Method: Good

Stay in bag until good root growth + ≥2 leaves ≥2". Then pot keiki (twist off spike). Parent may also repot if it grows new roots/leaves.

Aerial Roots

Soak 1 hr → green, flexible. Don't force/break.

Follow-Up: Leaf Removal, Temp, Mix, Supplies

• Old leaves fall naturally or remove manually (don't cut—open wound + humidity = mold). Seal any cut with sulfur/fungicide.
• 60°F ok but low end; traumatized plant better at 70–75°F.
• Best phal mix: commercial fir-bark-based (garden centers). Local commercial growers best source; rarely mail-order.