Question
Hi Jim, I have a problem with my grown Phalaenopsis Orchids. 3 days ago I transplanted them into new medium and this morning I noticed that roots are getting black, they look dryer and become spotted. I wonder what should I do? Do they require another transplantation? I noticed also that a new medium is coloring water into redish colour. Is that something that may have caused my orchids to suffer now? I'm trying to help them on the spot by soaking in the water. Could it be that this medium is too strong with nutrients and they struggle to adapt? Please tell me how should I proceed? And what kind of medium choose if needed. I bought mine in Orchid Accessories online shop...

Answer
Hi Agnieszka,

I'm not sure what the potting mix you purchased from Orchid Accessories contains but what ever is in it is making your phalaenopsis unhappy.  I would suggest repotting it using a potting media comprised primarily of medium sized orchid bark with some large sized perlite or sponge rock.  

Until you get the orchid bark media, thoroughly wash the current media with lots of water to remove as much of the reddish colouring as possible then use what is left to repot for now.  

Hope this helped.  Good luck.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.