If you have stem rot, it's a gonner. I do think you need to repot Lowe's orchids right away, first to see what is down there, and to get rid of decayed old medium, which is common as dirt from nearly every vendor.

Root hormones: Bob Gordon's Survey of Phal Growers recommends soaking the plant in a quart of water with 2 tablesp of sugar and some Superthrive added. I've just tried that the last few days, so don't know for sure it works. However, have seen a couple of articles that sucrose (sugar) stimulates root branching and root growth. Worth a try, as flaccid leaves do perk up after soaking in sugar water. I soaked for a half day or over night.

Root hormones: I use clonex root gel painted on the roots and stem, but you can use powdered root hormone. If you have to cut roots, dip the cut end in root powder or paint with root gel.

Hormex is a good liquid rooting hormone that can be used for watering. So is Superthrive.

Here's what I do:

If the roots are really far gone, put some moist bark in the bottom of a small pot, put sphag over that, and nestle your plant stem into the sphag. Put plastic baggies over the leaves, (one baggie on each side) leaving the crown open.

If it still has some roots, pot it into moist bark with sphag over the top and bag as above. Leave alone for about 6 weeks. New roots usually start in the sphag.

Or, since you're in Fla, why not just mount it? Keep it in a humid place.

This is not just a Lowes problem. It's not uncommon for growers to start plants in a very water-retentive media to make them grow faster. My favorite oncidium grower does it. I know that anything I get from him has to be repotted right away. I don't completely understand why this works in the short run but apparently it does because my grower's plants always look great.

Lowe's has a one-year guarantee on live plants. Keep your receipt, and get your $ back.

I have bought over a dozen orchids from Lowe's dead and dying rack and before I even take them to the cashier I remove them from both the decorator pot and the plastic pot inside it and look at the roots to be sure they're ok. When I get them home I immediately repot them and dig out all that moss. I've not had a single one die on me yet. Many have sunburned leaves which I'm ok losing, but so far all roots have been healthy. I wouldn't give up on that cart due to this, you just can't beat the price, just be more careful.
Lori
Lori

I almost always repot plants as soon as I get them and have often regretted it when I didn't.

A question we get here is what is the best potting medium for a Phal (or whatever orchid the question is about) but the right question is what is the best medium for our conditions.

Growers with large commercial greenhouses have high light levels, high temperatures and closely monitored watering. They pot for their conditions.

Last month I bought 7 Phals from H.D. planted in Bark -- price too tempting at $7.95 -- 3 inchers. All finished blooming and are doing great, especially one that has pansy-like faces. As you can see, I'm new with Orchids, more experienced with African Violets. Because the climate is dry here, I put the clay pots together with their saucers in a large planter, and keep the platter filled with water. i drop in ice cubes when over 80 degrees. I'm afraid to transplant them or change anything.

Glory