Question
My well-meaning boyfriend surprised me with 5 orchids this past week. I used to have a collection of 20 or so before I left my ex and, well, a lot happened and those didn't make it through my move. The boyfriend knows that I love them, so he picked me up these...at the Lowe's garden center. (I know...even I just recoiled in disgust.) They were kept in 100% moss and over-watered. 4 of the 5 have SERIOUS rot issues and black spots on the under side of their leaves. I'm in the process of repotting them as I type this, but will they survive with little or no roots? Is there something I can do to help them?? I hate to take them back to store and let them finish killing off these plants if I can avoid it. Heeeelp!!

Answer
April, if you or your friend have the receipt, you might check with the store and see if you can get a refund or replacement.  A Home Depot where I occasionally purchase an orchid does have a return policy.

If that doesn't work, or you or the nurturing sort, consider it a challenge to try to grow them on. First, when you repot, since there will be fewer roots, pick smaller pots for repotting.  Remove the larger particles in your orchid potting mix before repotting and soak the potting mix for an hour before use. See if the black spots will rub off using listerne or rubbing alcohol.  If not, judiciously cut away the worst of the black spots.  Wish you well and feel free to ask follow up questions as they occur.