Finally have my own Magic Moment Orchid - Now what do I do?

[Becs]

Since moving to London from Australia I have seen that there is quite a large orchid movement here. Flowers just don't last where I come from in Oz. I have been eyeing off Phal's since moving here six months ago and now I finally have one. I am very excited about it, but yes I know that these plants are delicate and need certain care.

As soon as I brought it home I began researching and I am now overwhelmed with information. I have had a good observe of the roots of the plant. I also checked that the pot was moist and not soggy down the bottom and found that this was ok.

After I doing this I found that there are a few things concerning me about it. In a matter of one day I have noticed that most of the roots have gone from a normal green to roots with chalky green spots/sections on it. Now as soon a I brought it home I noticed little bugs crawling through the bark and over the roots. They are not going onto the leaves but are remaining in the mulch. I am not sure what they are but I suspect they are responsible for the roots.

Now I have not purchased anything else for this plant and plan to do so tomorrow.

Please help me with some information/suggestions as to what to do about the bug problem and just things that I should puchase to keep up my plant (which is flowering quite beautifully at the moment). I have read a lot so I am not completely in the dark but simple points to stick to at first would be great.

I really want to take care of it well!

[neb]

and
the first thing to do is take a deep breath and relax orchids are not as delicate as many people think they are. If you have any questions then take pictures and post the question with the and many people will be glad to help you.

the roots will normally be a silver white as they dry but the bugs it is hard to know without a picture

[Shirley]

Originally Posted by Becs

most of the roots have gone from a normal green to roots with chalky green spots/sections on it. !

I think this is probably just the colour changing as the roots become drier. When they're thoroughly wet again they will probably go back to all green.

[Becs]

Thank you very much Neb and Shirley for your advice and might I say calming the nerves. Yes the roots that are turning that chalky green are the ones right at the top or right down the bottom. The one at the bottom I am thinking of is escaping out through the drainage hole. The leaves and blooms seem to be fine so I suppose I shouldn't worry too much. In fact the rest of the roots are really green too. Just a quick question again the medium still seems quite moist. Does this mean I should hold off watering despite those few surfacing roots that are drying out?

[John D.]

Yes hold off watering a little longer. Repotting in fresh medium may also be a good idea to help reduce the bugs you described. They may just be there living in partially broken down medium.

[Becs]

Thank you John. I will hold off. And will look into repotting soon