Can I plant this Phal deeper?

[Chalti]

Hi! I am currently struggling to get my first orchid back to normal. I have received it as a present for 4 years ago, and since then it went through total roots loss. It has also lost quite a number of bottom leaves, remainings of which formed sort of a "shield" around the stem, which apparently prevented the new forming roots from getting through. When j finally figured out,that I should remove these old dry bottoms of leaves, i found so many tiny old roots underneath Anyway, right now it has naked bottom of the stem with several roots sticking up in the air. Question is: can I plant it deeper into the media, so the roots will be covered by media and could contribute more to hydrating of the orchid? I am just nervous about potential stem rot, it will definitely not survive it...
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[Brutal_Dreamer]

Hi! I am currently struggling to get my first orchid back to normal. I have received it as a present for 4 years ago, and since then it went through total roots loss. It has also lost quite a number of bottom leaves, remainings of which formed sort of a "shield" around the stem, which apparently prevented the new forming roots from getting through. When j finally figured out,that I should remove these old dry bottoms of leaves, i found so many tiny old roots underneath Anyway, right now it has naked bottom of the stem with several roots sticking up in the air. Question is: can I plant it deeper into the media, so the roots will be covered by media and could contribute more to hydrating of the orchid? I am just nervous about potential stem rot, it will definitely not survive it...
Posted via Mobile Device

A photo would help, but the short answer is yes, you can repot the phal with the roots in the medium. The roots need to be alive for it to do any good. To test, soak the roots in water for a few minutes. If they turn bright green, then they are good and ready to repot. This will also help make them flexible. If they are brittle, it is best to cut them off.

good luck to you!
Cheers,
BD

[Chalti]

Thank you for the reply! Yes, adding picture now, couldn't do it yesterday from the phone. Roots are alive, I "brush" them every day with soft bruch with water (I don't spray roots anymore on any of my orchids after I lost a couple of them to stem rot, even though i was trying not to spray the stem). My main concern is if the stem can rot if I deepen the orchid....

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Thank you for the photo. Your plant will do find repotted deeper into the medium. Here is a helpful video showing how to repot this orchid.



Cheers,
BD

[Chalti]

Thank you for the info I watched the video, this is pretty much how I repot my phals normally, I just add a bit of Sphagnum to keep them humid a bit longer

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Thank you for the info I watched the video, this is pretty much how I repot my phals normally, I just add a bit of Sphagnum to keep them humid a bit longer

That works!!

cheers,
BD