Question
QUESTION: Hi, Should I throw away two green phalaenopsis leaves that fell off the plant when it was moved or are there other possiblities? The phalaenopsis now has no leaves - can it be saved? Thanks for your reply.

ANSWER: Ann. if you are asking if you can generate a new plant from the leaves as in african violets or other house plants, the answer is no.
As to whether the plant can be saved, the answer is a weak maybe. If the growing point at the apex of the plant is still intact and you have at least one healthy root, it might come back.  You will not be able to determine if the growing point is still healthy, so check the roots by unpotting the plant.  Healthy roots are firm and turn green when wet.  Roots that have collapsed are dead.  If you have at least one healthy root, try to repot the plant with fresh orchid potting mix.  Be sure to keep the crown of the plant (the point where leaves originate) even with, or slightly above, the top of the potting mix.  If the growing point is intact, it will take up to a month or more before new growth will appear.  Water no more frequently than once per week.

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QUESTION: Thank you for your response. About 1/2 of the roots are healthy The phalaenopsis has one 2 1/2 foot long green stem with four branches. Do you recommend that I leave it alone  or trim it? Two of the branches appear to have very early buds.

ANSWER: Ann, that presence of good roots is a positive sign.  If you have not repotted it in fresh orchid potting mix you should do that.  Remember that orchid potting mix is a special mix to promote air flow through the potting mix to the roots. I would cut the flower spike just above the second or third node (ie joint) in the flower spike. Without leaves,this plant needs to conserve its energy until leaves form.  By cutting the spike, it is possible that a new plant will form at the node just below your cut.

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QUESTION: Thank you again for responding. I understand your advice about repotting in fresh orchid potting mix and will do that. You said that it is possible for a new plant to form at the node just below the cut? Do you mean an entirely new plant or did you mean new growth of the old plant (if such a distinction can be drawn)?

Answer
Ann, it would be an entirely new plant with roots and leaves.  It will have the same genetic material as the parent and so, if it forms, would flower with the same colors.  These are called Keikis and have been known to not only form leaves and roots but send out a flower spike if left on the parent plant long enough.  Some believe that it is a method of survival for a plant too weak to flower and naturally form seed. Sometimes, however, instead of forming a keiki at the node, they may send out a flower spike from the node.  For now, just concentrate on growing the plant back to health and the rest will take care of itself.