Question
QUESTION: Hello-
Lately I have been taking care of a phalaenopsis orchid and it has been doing pretty well. Just a month ago, I repotted it because its roots were getting a little large for the pot. After that everything seemed to go wrong. I had six nice blooms on a side and one bud, but they all fell off. After they had fallen, the shoot turned brownish/yellow and the main shoot at the top turned brown/yellow! Is there any way I can remedy this situations, I don't know whats going on.
Thanks

ANSWER: Thanks for the questions Harrison.  The first thing I want to emphasize is that phalaenopsis orchids should only be repotted after flowering or, as a desperation measure, when the plant is going downhill.  Repotting disturbs the root system which provides fluids and nourishment to the flower spike and its associated buds and flowers.  I also have a question about your repotting process.  Repotting orchids requires a little different procedure than for other house plants.  A standard orchid potting mix must be used.  This may consist of fir bark, perlite, tree fern, lava rock, and a variety of other ingredients.  In nature, orchid roots are often exposed to a humid and airy environment.  They need to be in a potting mix that provides for some moisture retention, but good air movement and drainage.  The pot used should have a lot of air holes in it to allow for this air movement and good drainage.  Repotting also allows you to examine the root system and to remove any roots that are mushy or stringy as these are dead and you don't want to start repot those roots. If you have the plant in a fresh orchid potting mix, you can water it every week.

You may cut off the flower spike above a node (ie joint) but below the part of the spike turning color.  You may have the type of phalaenopsis whose flower spike dies back after flowering so if the spike continues to die back just continue cutting it back. You now need to focus on growing the plant on to its next blooming period.

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QUESTION: Ok, thanks so much!! What type of potting soil would u like suggest and what would you say is the procedure to repot?

ANSWER: You should be able to find several different types of orchid potting mixes at garden centers at Lowes, Home Depot, or others that sell orchids.  Be sure to soak a portion of the mix prior to use as the fir bark it contains repels water when dry and can draw moisture out of the roots. Upon removal of the roots from their old potting mix, rinse them off.  Healthy roots are firm and turn green when wet.  Damaged roots are mushy and need to be removed.  Slowly lower the healthy roots into the new pot rotating the pot as you do so to reduce root damage.  Add the wet potting mix and tap the sides of the pot to help distribute it amongst the roots.  The set the repotted plant where the excess moisture can drain away.  Set the pot into its growing area and do not water for a week-- then water weekly.

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QUESTION: Thank you again! How long after this repotting and trimming do you think the orchid will bloom again?

Answer
Phalaenopsis tend to bloom annually so count on it blooming about 12 months after the last blooming. However, many factors can influence flowering so that is not a certainty.  It needs to be nurtured so it puts out strong new growth before the next flowering.