Question
Hi,
I recently bought a Phalaenopsis Orchid for the first time.  I placed it in an east facing window and was watering once a week.  At one point the blossoms became limp and it lost a leaf, so I read about what it could be and thought that maybe since it is in a ceramic pot and it is the winter, I was over watering.  I thought if I left it alone and let it dry out, I would be able to save it.  Instead, the leaves kept falling off. I then read that maybe I was watering too late in the day or maybe the roots were drowned.  They have almost always been a whitish green and hanging over the edge of a pot, however towards the center of the plant, there are two that are a brighter green.  I dont know if I bought a plant that was already not very healthy or maybe the move from store to my home "shocked" it or maybe I drowned it.  What can I do to save it or is it a goner?  
Thanks for you help!   
-Genny

Answer
Genny, orchids need to be in pots with lots of drainage holes and should be watered only once per week. They should not be left standing in water.  That having been said, it may be that the plant was already experiencing root rot when you received it due to a degraded or compacted potting mix. You might be surprised how many questions I get from people who have lost an orchid shortly after purchase. If the plant looks healthy when purchased, it should be repotted in fresh orchid potting mix when the flowers fall.  If you have any good leaves, you might try that repotting.  Unpotting the plant will give you an opportunity to assess the root condition.  Roots that have collapsed are dead and those that are firm and turn green when wet are healthy.  The collapsed roots need to be removed before repotting.  Some places like Home Depot have a refund policy for newly purchased orchids if you still have your receipt.