Phalaenopsis Root Rot Rescue: Repotting, Pot Size, Media Sifting, and Pre-Purchase Prevention

Question:

Phal ~1 month, was blooming but top with flowers broke. Cut spike above 3rd node. No fertilizer yet. Water weekly AM, free drainage. Media practically dry, but water drops at pot bottom, some moss inside. Temp: 18°C day, 15°C night. Leaves drooping ~2 weeks; some aerial roots wilting/soft. Photos: [link]. White residue on bark. Save it?

Answer:

Joana, suspect root rot. Confirm: unpot, wash roots—soft/mushy = dead, remove. Healthy roots firm = recovery potential. Get fresh orchid mix first. Moss keeps mix too wet—surface dry but deeper damp/decomposed. White residue on bark hints at this. Wilting = dead roots can't support those parts. Best hope: new leaves/roots in fresh mix. Damaged-root-served parts may be lost. Growing conditions outside pot fine; inside needs improvement. Preventative tip: Repot new purchases after flowering (unknown pot time). For difficulties, repot immediately.

Follow-up: Smaller pot? This seems deep. Larger media pieces? Current has dust-like particles retaining water.

Follow-up Answer:

Yes, smaller pot—size roots just fit without cramping. Sift out dust, use 1–2 cm particles. Soak mix 1+ hour, drain—dry fir bark repels water, soaking breaks repellency.