limp withered leaves on phalaenopsis

[ksb]

I have re-potted my phalaenopsis in potting soil that is a mix of fir bark, hardwood charcoal and perlite. I wait for the bark to get dry before watering again. I pour water over the bark several times when I water to really wet it. Also they are over a water tray. I am watering more often with this new mix, but if the bark is dry isn't it time to water? I have noticed that the leaves are wilted and are wrinkled. I think it is dying.
Occasionally I remove the top layer of bark to see the roots and if they look dry I spray them and replace the bark. Does it harm the plant to move the bark around the roots?

[Cjcorner]

Usually, when a phal has sad wrinkled leaves, something is wrong with the roots. Very rarely will a phal ever be underwatered...they are like little cactus. What is easy is to overwater. When you repot an orchid, stop watering completely for about a week or two weeks. Best is two weeks. This allows broken roots to heal before you apply water. Also; it is important to place the newly potted plant in a shadowed area. They need to recover from "shocking" when you repot them. Some plants are more sensitive than others. Maybe if you could post a picture of the plant, it would help id the problem.

[ksb]

I bet I have over watered the plant. I have been too focused on them. Also I didn't with hold watering after re-potting, or let them recover in the shade. I will wait on watering for 2 weeks now and see what happens.
I would post a picture but I will be on the road for a while. I take the orchids with!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Hopefully you can keep the humidity up around the orchid while you are traveling. If not, be sure to check the roots to see if it needs water. Good luck.

Cheers,
BD

[ksb]

thanks for the tip.....I will add humidity. The roots do look healthy but while moving the bark I noticed a very small bug (as small as a gnat) crawling around on the bark. There is nothing on the leaves. Should I just watch for more?

[cindiras]

that's probably a fungus gnat, lives off decaying plant material such as the bark your orchid is planted in.