Question
I was away over Christmas and my heating broke - this left my orchid in sub-zero temperatures for two weeks.  My neighbour watered it at the half way point, but left it standing in water.  It is now in a really bad state.  The flowers have all wilted and most of the leaves have turned a black-yellow colour and are are leathery.  Several have dropped off.  The roots outside of the soil have dried up but inside there are some healthy ones.  However, a sort of cottony fungus seems to be on a fair few roots also.  I don't think it's mealy bugs, it just seems to be a mould or something.  Is it too late or can I do anything?!!  Thank you!

Answer
Rachel, from what you have described, this plant hs been subjected to conditions that would normally kill a phalaenopsis so there is only a slim chance to save it.  First, it is likely that you will lose one or more additional leaves-- maybe all. I think the cottony growth on the roots is mold resulting from the wet conditions. At the base of the leaves is a meristemmatic or growing point from which leaves originate.  If that has been damaged, the plant will produce no new leaves, even with healthy roots.  If you have even one healthy leaf, that may suggest that the growing point is fine and can produce new leaf growth. The only hope is to repot the plant in fresh orchid potting mix in a plasic pot with lots of drainage holes.  When you repot it, you may notice roots that are mushy and/or stringy.  Remove these roots prior to repotting as they are dead.  After repotting the plant, try to keep it on the dry side.  Keep it warm (65-85 degrees F). You may water it a bit after the first week.  This action, plus a little prayer, will be needed if this plant is to survive.