Question

Orchid w/tons of roots   QUESTION: Forgive me if you have answered this before...
I have a phal that has been healthily sitting in my window, getting bright and indirect light for over a year. It puts out a new leaf every so often that is reddish underneath in the beginning and then turns deep green. The leaves stay thick and healthy, but the oldest ones turn and drop just prior to production of a new one. This seems normal to me. Another reason that I know this plant is healthy is that it is producing roots like crazy. They are reaching in all directions, and continuously producing new ones. I used to work for a company that did orchid rotations in offices, so I have given several of the leftovers out as gifts. All of my gift plants have reflowered and mine will not!! As I said, tons of roots, and thick leaves. The plants given to my friends exhibit none of this behavior, but flower again and again. More light? Fert? Help!

ANSWER: Thanks Travis.  I wonder if you have repotted it in the past year.  Sometimes aerial roots become profuse to compensate for loss of roots in the potting mix.  The propduction of new leaves is encoraging, especially if the new leaves are as large or larger than the previous growth.  While it is not unusual to lose an old leaf from time to time, over time, the total number and size of leaves should be incrasing. I would look to the potting mix and think the plant needs repotting in fresh orchid potting mix.  This repotting will also give you a chance to examine the roots in the potting mix.  Before repotting, remove any mushy or stringy roots and place the aerial roots into the pot.  Be  sure the aerial roots are thoroughly soaked before repotting which will reduce their brittleness.  Use a pot that is well drained with lots of drainage holes.

I notice that your plant color is fairly dark green.  One cause for fairure to flower is insufficient light. This especially is true for the thicker leaves. To ensure that light is not the cause of flowering failure, the leaves should be light green.  So, find a way to increase light intensity.  Some phalaenopsis need a daily 10 degree temperature change to set buds.

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QUESTION: Thanks Wayne! 2 part follow up: Would you recommend repotting in a larger container? AND can you suggest an inexpensive potting mix that is suitable?

Answer
Travis, there are several orchid potting mixes carried by Home Depot and Lowes Garden Centers.  They cost about $5 for enough to pot a couple of plants.  Since there are several types, I recommend the type that has fir bark pieces in it.  Be sure to soak it for an hour before use as the fir bark repels water when dry.  Pot size will depend upon root condition.  If most of your roots are healthy and/or you are placing aerial roots into the mix, you should choose a pot size about 2 inches larger in diameter.  If you have a good root volume, slowly rotate the pot as you lower the roots into the pot so they are trained along the inner walls of the pot.  When you add the potting mix tap the pot as you add the mix to distribute it amongst the roots.  Also, I prefer a plastic pot with lots of drainage holes in the bottom for phalaenopsis orchids.