Phal is done for? continuing root rot

[lauraeli]

Well, the Phal I rescued some weeks ago has not decided thus far to live. The bottom leaf started to turn very yellow so I pulled out the plant, to find rotted roots. It only has one root left. The rot got in where the roots were damaged. Some rotted at the base, some from the tip where the original rot was cut off. I am quite sure I only watered when the bark was dry. The roots never seemed very healthy. They shriveled so fast between waterings.

This being my first orchid, Im about ready to throw it out the window. Cant force a plant to live if it doesnt want to.

I cut the top off of one gallon jug and the bottom off the other, put them together with the orchid suspended in there. I put a plastic cup with wet sphagnum for humidity.

Im not really optimistic. I have yet to see root rot end positively for ANY plant. Not entirely sure now why I bought this one, knowing the roots were rotted.

But if anybody would like to chime in with some tips, and possible reasons for the continuing root rot...