---
title: "Got this Phalaenopsis orchid on clearance because I couldn’t leave it…"
description: "Got this Phalaenopsis orchid on clearance because I couldn’t leave it behind, but it’s clearly struggling. I’ve had trouble keeping orchids alive in the past,…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/KvW8uHtuuAhtnZLyXtfT0F"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Jay"
published: "2026-08-02T20:57:46.177663Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/HKprdCQmkppFs95C_8y9s2Gtc-sYU8YYWs1adwaBFHY/kr3QwbTsRmWxlnbByJ6TOA.webp?size=large"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [The Orchid Oasis](https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ.md)

# Got this Phalaenopsis orchid on clearance because I couldn’t leave it…

_Posted by Jay on 2026-08-02_

Got this Phalaenopsis orchid on clearance because I couldn’t leave it behind, but it’s clearly struggling. I’ve had trouble keeping orchids alive in the past, so I’m hoping for some advice before I make things worse. I moved it from the store packed sphagnum moss to the vase because I don’t think it was getting much water before.

![Attachment 1 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/HKprdCQmkppFs95C_8y9s2Gtc-sYU8YYWs1adwaBFHY/kr3QwbTsRmWxlnbByJ6TOA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/HKprdCQmkppFs95C_8y9s2Gtc-sYU8YYWs1adwaBFHY/CZdieD0qTradKqFWCieU1A.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/HKprdCQmkppFs95C_8y9s2Gtc-sYU8YYWs1adwaBFHY/5NJGPvJqQ128yaeF59Uguw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 4 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/HKprdCQmkppFs95C_8y9s2Gtc-sYU8YYWs1adwaBFHY/plGZ_nJqTJ66xMTy0-Bx8Q.webp?size=large)

## 3 comments

### Emmyyy commented on 2026-08-02

You don’t want the roots sitting in water. I use just orchid bark in a clear pot so I can see when the roots turn silver then to water I dunk the whole thing in water. Not the crown just the roots then let it sit til the roots turn green then take it out and shake out the excess water

### nia commented on 2026-08-03

I would do a 60/40 BetterGro orchid mix and sphagnum moss mix in a clear nursery pot

### Leafittome commented on 2026-08-03

Orchids are pretty easy once you know the basics!

First off, I would repot into orchid bark. Sphagnum moss retains a lot of moisture and can lead to root rot, as can leaving them in water. When you repot, cut off any roots that are black and/or squishy.

For watering, keep an eye on the roots. I keep my orchids in clear pots. When the roots are green, they are hydrated. When they turn silvery, the plant is thirsty. Water it by soaking the pot in a bowl of water. Be careful not to let the water get too high and onto the plant. If it’s get into the green part, it can cause crown rot.

Orchids like bright, indirect light. If you notice yellow on the edges of the leaves, it’s a sign of a sunburn!

Find some orchid fertilizer and follow the prescribed schedule to help encourage more blooms.

Good luck!

---

_Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_