Question
I have this orchid for about 5 years now; it had flowered
well twice for me. At present it's flowering again,leaves are green but soft and pliable. My plant is by the window facing west side and has a grow light 120 watt not directly on its top.I water my plant 1x/week since its still winter. What could be the problem, Jim,?

Answer
Hello Ben,

While I cannot be certain without seeing where and how you are growing it I suspect it may be overdue for repotting.  Since you've had it for 5 years, if you have not repotted it at least once in that time, it is well overdue for a repotting.  

Most media for orchids are good for 2 maybe 3 years after which it needs to be replaced by fresh media.  The leaves becoming soft and pliable is one indication that the media is past its prime.  Since it is flowering right now, wait until the flowers are gone (probably early spring) to repot it.  Until then, get ready by purchasing a small bag of medium to coarse orchid bark mix and maybe a pot of about the same size as the current pot.  Do NOT get too large a pot as most orchids grow and bloom best when slightly potbound.  Also, until then, cut back on watering to about every 10 days.  

Hope this has helped.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.