Inherited Phalaenopsis with Dry Roots: Repot in Soaked Bark Mix

Savannah inherited a Phalaenopsis: half roots dry/withered, half dry/green. No spike, some new leaf growth. Planned to cut withered roots and repot. Asked for mix/fertilizer advice.

Repotting Protocol

1. Buy orchid bark mix (Home Depot/Lowe's/garden center). Must contain fir bark.
2. Soak mix thoroughly—dry bark repels water.
3. Unpot, soak roots. Healthy roots = firm, turn greenish when wet.
4. Cut off mushy/stringy roots at base.
5. Need several healthy roots for survival.
6. Plastic pot with many drainage holes.
7. Work all healthy roots (including aerial) into pot before adding wet mix.
8. Drain overnight; water weekly thereafter.

Fertilizer

After 1 week, feed weakly weekly (¼ tsp balanced fertilizer/gal).