Over-watered phalaenopsis

[naoise.]

Hi all,

I bought two phalaenopsis orchids about six weeks ago. The leaves of one of the orchids began to rapidly fall off. When I had a closer look at the pot it was in, I realized that the pot was enclosed by plastic that wouldn't let moisture escape. To this point I have been watering with three ice cubes once a week. The roots do not have any evidence of rot. To this point I have kept in a room in my house that is on the darker side, to keep it away from direct light.

What should I do next to try and keep this orchid alive and blooming?

Attached are some photos where you can get a feel for the state of the plant

Thanks!

[ksriramkumar]

Most of these are packed in sphagnum moss and could kill the roots in no time. I would suggest you repot the phal in bark + perlite and then water them with normal temperature water and not ice cubes. Ice cubes could be harsh on the roots and could shock them

[JDT]

I would agree with Sriram, stop the ice cube use and put into a good grade bark mix. You want the roots to be a dark green in color and not sitting in water, when the roots start to turn grey you know it is time to water.