Question
I recently asked you a question about my Purple Passion plant and you answered so clearly that I'd like to ask you about my orchid. My husband brought me home a Phalaenopsis for Valentines Day since he knows I love them. I've had one before but didn't pay near enough attention to it and it didn't last. With this new orchid I've been reading plenty of literature hoping to prolong its life. However, I've read contradicting tips.

My orchid is approximately 15 inches high (including stem and blooms) in a 6" high pot, 5" wide. It came with media (moss, etc.) in the top half with Styrofoam peanuts the bottom two inches or so. I recently checked the roots on my orchid that is currently in bloom (blooms appear to have several weeks left in them). Some roots are green and firm but underneath the media toward the center they are dark brown and soft (wrinkly and mushy). On top there is a dry, wrinkled white one as well. I've read that these rotted roots can be clipped off when it is time to re-pot. However, I've also read that orchids shouldn't be re-potted or put through much stress while it is in bloom.

I've had it a month and a half now. The temperature fluctuates and it gets quite a bit of humidity. I also believe the light is appropriate. I'm worried about the roots, though. Should I re-pot now and clip the rotted roots? Or should I wait until the blooms are gone and meanwhile water it less? (I assume that is why the roots are rooted-too much water.)

Also, I saw that you wrote an article on orchid care. Could you email it to me? Another quick question; the leaves have a slight yellow lining (very minimal, many a 1 mm) on the edge. Should I be concerned about this as well?

Thank you once again for your clear explanations!

-Daedree

Answer
Hi Daedree,

It is best if the roots are left undisturbed while the Phalaenopsis is in bloom. So don't do anything with it just yet except reduce the watering frequency. Don't worry, the soft roots are not diseased or likely to spread to other roots. Allowing the media to dry a bit more will keep additional roots from rotting. When you do water, be sure to wash water over the dry wrinkled root above teh surface. Reducing the watering frequency will also prevent further spread of the leaf discoloration.

Even after the flowers fade, you may get a second round of flowers if you cut the flower spike (stem) just above the node where the lowest flower was attached. Sometimes, a secondary spike will emerge from that node within a couple of weeks and produce more flowers. After those flowers have faded or if you don't get a secondary spike within a few weeks, then you can consider repotting, as described below.

A day or so after watering, gently remove the loose media from the plant, including all of the styro at the bottom. Do not tear away any media that is attached firmly to the roots. Trim off all roots that are dark, soft or mushy.

Your new pot should be just large enough to accommodate the existing roots snugly - probably 6" wide by 4.5 inches deep. Terra cotta is a good choice because it helps provide more air circulation around the roots. Special Orchid pots often have open slots along the sides to allow even more air circulation.

I suggest that you use a packaged Ochid mix to replace what is there now. Do not put any styro or any other 'drainage material' in the bottom of the pot.

Keep temps above 60 degrees F. Normal home humidity is fine. Lots of very bright, but indirect light is best.

I need your email address to be able to send you my Orchid care article. You can post it here, or for more privacy, send me an email requesting the article at my address below.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com