Question
I probably have doomed my orchid by not checking the root system when I got it. I am not sure what kind it is.  It has slightly wide leaves, but not really wide, coming mostly from a cluster in the bottom.  The leaves were wrinkling and buds were falling.  I finally checked the roots and they were all mushy.  The root system is gone. Is there any help for this poor thing?  Thanks.

Answer
Hello Jackie,

It would help if you knew what kind of orchid it is, not knowing makes it very difficult if not impossible to tell you what to do to save it.  

At any rate, here is something you might try.  Remove all potting media from the roots, remove all mushy roots, remove any dead leaf material.  Place some barely moist paper towels in a clear or translucent plastic bag that is large enough to contain the orchid plant.  Place the orchid in the bag, close it and place it in a warm shady location.  Once a week, open the bag to allow air exchange and check for signs of new root growth then reclose it.  If and when new roots appear, wait until they are over 2 inches long before attempting to repot the orchid.  Be patient as this can take upwards of a year to happen - hopefully less.  

Hope this has helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.