Question
I bought a phalinopsis last week and some of the buds have turned brown and others are already turning.  It seems neither too wet nor too dry. The two smallest leaves also seem a bit wilted.  There is also a brown mark on one of the semi-wilted leaves. What can I do?

Answer
Phalaenopsis bud drop can ossur if the plant was chilled either during transit or in your growing area.  The buds are the most sensitive part of the plant and can fail at temperatures below 60 degrees F.. Another common problem that can cause bud drop is root rot. Roots can rot when the potting mix is in poor condition.  This also can cause leaf wilt.  This occurs when the roots have collapsed and can no longer provide the needed nutrients to the buds and/ or leaves. Rotted roots are mushy, while healthy roots are firm. If the flower spike remains green, it could form new buds either at its tip or at a node (ie joint). While the plant needs repotting in fresh orchid potting mix, I would wait until you no longer have buds or flowers on the flower spike. In the interim, cut back on the watering and only water when the potting mix is dry. It is likely that the semi-wilted leaves will be lost.