New to Orchid board. Question about transferring to S/H
 

Hi all. Relatively new to orchids, but have done a TON of research and decided to try S/H for my first re-potting. Transferred a sad phal from the store container to S/H with hydroton. However, when cleaning the roots, I couldn't get off every bit of dirt and I didn't want to scrub hard and damage the good roots. The plant is potted now, but I wanted to ask if there was anything I should have done differently? I will try to flush extra since there is organic debris still in there and I don't want root rot.

Tips?

Thanks!

It all depends how much. If there is only a small amount the roots will be cleaned due to the flushing of the medium and the constant moisture.

If there is too much organic matter, it will be wet and attract fungus gnats. It might promote root rot.

I wouldn't worry about it. Your plant is likely to lose most-, if not all of its existing roots anyway, as it grows new "S/h roots".

S/H isn't a way to rescue sick plants. The transfer can be a major stress to the plant, and an already-sick plant might not make it.

It's generally better to move plants to S/H when they're healthy and beginning to make new roots. The old roots usually die because the new environment is so different from what they're expecting. A sick plant isn't as able to handle this as is a nice healthy plant growing new roots that will adapt soon.

oops . . .

I don't do Semi-hydroponics so I have no idea but I wanted to say 'Hello and welcome to Orchid Board' and to also wish you luck with your orchid. :)