Help! I repotted my orchid while it was blooming, before I knew not to do it the deed had already been done. I repotted her 28 days ago into a new pot out of the store bought plastic pot. The leaves have been drooping ever since and idk what to do to get her healthy again. I’ve increased the watering because the planta doctor feature says it’s under watered. The medium is the bark on bottom, moss in middle around the roots, and bark on top.
Whats your reasoning for laying your medium that way? Orchid roots are like sponges and also like air flow. My first guess is that having moss around the roots is keeping them too wet. If you’re new to orchids this will be your downfall :( Couple tips: The roots will actually be your sign when to water. So being able to see them is extremely helpful. This is why its a good practice to have them in clear insert pots. White/silvery roots = time to water, green = don’t need water. The roots you see above the surface aren’t good indicators because the plant has developed that part to work more as an air root maintaining moisture from the air. A good way to water is to fill the pot to the base of the plant, let it sit for 15-20 mins (or until the roots are green depending on how dehydrated it was), and then dump out all the water. When you have solid moss around the roots this method will cause the moss to hold too much moisture and causes the roots to rot. I would repot and fix the medium, mixing it so everything is distributed evenly vs the moss layer you currently have. All that being said, there is always sone shock the plant goes through when repotting, so you might just need to give it some time.
4 likesHow would you recommend to do the medium once I repot? I did the current method because some online article said this is the best way since the moss wont hold water long enough for the roots to rot but long enough for the roots to be hydrated.
0 likesHmmm, I can’t say that is my experience with moss and orchids… I would do the majority of your current orchid medium with a small bits of moss mixed in. And honestly, you don’t even necessarily need the moss with what you have. When you water, the roots will absorb as much as they need, the bark will also absorb water maintaining the humidity around the roots without adding extra moisture into them. It also allows for excellent airflow and space for the roots to grow.
0 likesI agree to most of this advice- but I’d keep a 50/50 mix of moss and bark, as you’re clearly having hydration issues. It doesn’t really need to be an exact equation as long as you are letting your roots be your guide. Your plant, in your medium, in your environment will tell you when it needs to be watered. If the roots are green or your medium is moist- give it another couple days. If they are silver, it’s time to water. Doesn’t matter if it’s been 4 days or 10.
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