Question
Wayne: I picked up a Phalaenopsis from Walmart today, as it was on the clearance table after Valentine's day and looked in need of some love.  When I removed it from the "decorative pot," I discovered that it's in a clear plastic pot which seems mostly full of soil, and is rather damp.  The roots don't look very healthy.  I've set the pot out on my counter so it can hopefully dry a little, but my potting medium and pot won't be here until next week.  My question is, do you think the orchid will survive the next four or five days, and how can I minimize the shock of repotting?  It's currently flowering but the flowers appear to be beginning to wilt.

Thanks.

Answer
Chris, I think your plant will be fine for that length of time.   The rule of thumb is better dry than wet, so let the current potting mix dry out pending repotting.  I'll assume you don't need any advice on the repotting process, but if you need it when the orchid potting mix and pot arrive, just ask and I'll be happy to walk you through it at that time.