what to do with store bought phalaenopsis???

[tokidoki]

i posted this in a different forum (new beginners) and i didnt know if i should post it also or not but if the moderators feel like its not necessary to repost, pls feel free to delete

HI orchid lovers.. i have a question.. i recently bought a phalaenopsis hybrid orchid about 1.5 to 2 weeks ago from the store.. i havent watered it eversince then because the roots are heavily wrapped in damp spaghmum moss and im afraid that if i water it, the water wouldnt evaporate quick enough which will created root rot.. the orchid is blooming right now but has alot of buds that havent opened it... what should i do? im afraid that the orchid is thirsty right now but everytime i dig my finger to touch the moss, it feels wet. but its almost been 2 weeks since i got it and i know it hasnt been watered in the store recently.. can orchids survive long weeks without water but being wrapped up in lots of damp moss??? should i just leave the orchid alone because its trying to bloom its flowers or should i repot and take off the old wet moss and put in bark mixture? please help.. and also when can i safely water the plant and how much water? a thorough drainage or no? your advices would really help...

[Stefan]

hi tokidoki,
i would repot it. even though its in bud/flower. if its wet for that long its not a good sign. bark would be the best, and flood the pot when you repot it, then leave it untill its dry. then water it untill the water drains through the pot. i hope this helps

stefan

[tokidoki]

ok thanks.. another person told me that he had the same problem.. but he didnt water the plant for about 3 1/2 weeks and the orchid stayed fine.. the moss just stayed too wet because too much was bundled around the roots.. if i repot it i might disturb the blooming behavior of the orchid?

[flhiker]

I'm guessing that it lives in very high humidity for it to stay wet that long. Although if you don't see any signs of mold or rot I would leave it be and check daily to see if it has dried out. And would repot after it has finished blooming.

[snow]

nice name tokidoki. i have bought phals tightly packen in spag as well and in budand soaking wet from the greenhousei let them do their thing till they finish blooming and then repot.be easy on the watering ive waited up to a month and then only watered by spraying the top of the spag. it is surprising how long tightly packed spag will hold its moisture

[tokidoki]

hey u guys and hey there snow so yesterday i decided to repot the orchid.. i did it carefully and im happy to say the orchid is doing well and looks happier i posted some pics in the "new beginners" thread.. under "what to do with store bought orchids". please take a look and tell me what u all think