Question
Hi, the leaves on my phill... orchids seem too limp;
though one other plant has strong leaves.  What do I do
for the limpy ones?  I have them on my desk by the window
and they get a sort of shaded sunlight.  I spray them
with water or a watered-down spray of orchid bloom buster
about every other day.  I don't put water in the pots.
Is this regimen good/bad?  jacqi

Answer
Jacqi, my guess is that you have not repotted your plants recently in fresh orchid potting mix.  Old potting mix stays wet too long and restricts air flow to the roots.  The limp leaves are probably the result of root rot.  Most orchids, unlike other house plants, grow on the limbs or trunks of trees in the tropics where the roots are exposed to humidy air, rain and freely moving air. Pot culture, therefore, must be able to provide similar conditions. This is done with an annual repotting with a special orchid potting (usually after flowerng). Garden centers that sell orchids usually sell this special orchid potting mix.  Since there are several types of orchid potting mix on the market, choose the type that contains pieces of fir bark.  This needs to be soaked overnight prior to use. When you are ready to repot, remove the plant from its pot and rinse off the roots.  Any roots that are mushy are dead aand should be removed prior to repotting.  Healthy roots are firm and turn green when wet.  If you see mushy roots, these are the cause of limp leaves.  Since the roots serving these leaves are dead, the leaves will likely not survive.  However, if you have several good leaves and roots, new roots and leaves will grow after repotting.  When repotting, choose a plastic pot that has lots of air/drainage holes in the bottom.  After repotting with the wet, fresh orchid potting mix, let the repotted plant sit where it can drain overnight, moving it to your growing area.  Wait a week before watering then water thoroughly once per week where it can drain away the excess water. The location of your plants is fine if you follow my other advice.