Question
QUESTION: I purchased an orchid about 6 months ago now the flowers are gone. I repotted it in a clay pot with bark medium and the bottom leaves are turning yellow and falling. It shows nice roots coming out of the pot but I'm afraid it won't service. The trunk is turning yellowish also. What can I do. I love orchids but I don't have too much luck with them. I'm trying to learn how to keep the alive but it's frustating. I hope you can give me some advise. I keep buying them but don't servive. I keep a tray with rocks and water since they are inside the house.

ANSWER: Elizabeth, thanks for your question. Quite possibly the factors that you didn't mention are as important as those that you mentioned.  Let me first address those that you did mention. I'm going to assume that when you say that you repotted to a bark medium that this was a commercially prepared orchid potting mix which contained fir bark, perlite, etc..  Each ingredient in a potting mix serves a purpose. Fir bark helps to keep the potting mix "open" to permit rapid drainage and air movement to the roots.  However, dry fir bark repels water and, if used in its dry form, is likely to take water away from the roots.  The potting mix needs to be soaked for an hour or more prior to use.  However, before soaking it, the finer dust-like particles in the potting mix need to be sifted out as these may reduce the movement of air and water through the potting mix,  Once these initial steps have been taken, you are ready to move to the next stage for repotting. The size of the pot is important.  Pot size should be just large enough for the roots and no larger, since you will need to repot anyway every year or two. When lowering the roots into the pot, rotate the roots as you lower them so they follow the inner contour of the pot.  This minimizes potential damage to the roots during repotting.  I prefer plastic pots for phalaenopsis because clay pots have air spaces which permits the escape of moisture through the pot walls. The pot you use should have several drainage holes in the bottom and should not sit in water. Orchid roots that have died are mushy and need to be removed before each repotting.  Healthy roots are firm and turn green when wet.

Since you are growing inside, they prefer an east window where they can receive some early morning sun.  Otherwise, use a window covering that allows light to pass through--but not direst sunlight.  They do well in the 60-85 degree temperature range which is why growing them outside where you are can be tricky.  They like air movement. Water/feed them early in the day.   I prefer to run a fan after watering so any water that gets on the plant will evaporate rapidly. Do not subject them to the vicinity of an air conditioner as they may become chilled.  When watering, water them thoroughly. Let the potting mix dry out before rewatering.  Usually, you will need to water only every 3-5 days and less id the days are cloudy and cool

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orchid roots  

leave base   QUESTION: I had two plants that I bought about the same time. As you can see the roots rods even though there were two roots that looked healthy, these were out of the pot, which it gave me the impression that there was nothing wrong with the plant until the bottom leaves started to turn yellow and falling.  When I tried to repotted the leaves came out of the base even though the other leaves looked healthy also. This is the same thing that its happening to me every time I buy them, they stay alive until the flowers are gone and then they rod. I guess I need to go shopping for more orchids. I am attaching some pictures so you can see. Thanks very much for your previous advise.

Answer
It is unfortunate that many retailers are only interested in a short term profits rather than a long term relationship.  The big box stores may have some good prices on orchids but they usually don't have anyone who knows how to care for the orchids they sell. Hence, few customers are aware that they are purchasing a plant that looks good above pot level but are in poor condition in the pot.  I applaud your enthusiasm for growing orchids.  While some big box stores like Home Depot have provided a 30 day warranty, you may want to locate a commercial orchid dealer in your area.  They specialize in orchids and their care.  They also like return customers, provide well grown plants and like to help with any growing problems you may experience. If you don't know of any commercial orchid growers in your area, I may be able to point you in the right direction once a know where in Florida you are located.