Question
I received a moth orchid about two months ago in full bloom. About three or four weeks ago I noticed the leaves starting to become limp. The flowers and even the unopened buds were falling off. Today, I decided to repot and let me tell you that I am happy I did. When I removed the plant from the pot almost all of the roots were rotted. The orchid was fully potted in moss!!! I have cut all the dead roots cleaned the pot and added some holes with my Dremmel. Should I cut the flower stem? The potting soil has to soak for 24-48 hours. When should I water for the first time after repotting? Will my orchid survive with almost no roots left? How deep should I repot into the bark? Thank you!!!!!

Answer
Caroline, the orchid poting mix only needs to soaked for an hour or less, though it does no harm to soak it for a day or two.  Since you have fewer roots, you can probably get by with a smaller pot size. When you repot, be sure the crown of the plant is above the potting mix.  The crown is that part of the plant from which the leaves originate.  Since the potting mix will be quite wet, I would hold off watering for a week or more. The general rule is to let the potting mix nearly dry out between waterings so you can check it before deciding to water.  You can remove a portion of the flower spke just above a node (ie joint).  Some types of phalaenopsis flower spikes naturally die back so, if this happens to your plant, it is natural and you may, at that time, cut off the entire flower spike.  If it stays green, you could get additional flowering at a node.

It is unfortunate that some commercial orchid growers don't take more care to provide orchids suitable for growing.  Apparently, there are still some who feel that people will just toss the plant after it flowers.  Many of the "Big Box" stores don't have staff that are trained in plant care.  You are to be congratulated for recognizing the need for repotting and I hope you will have your reward in the future with a healthy plant that will continue to flower.  Recognize, however, that the plant has received a set back and it may take a year or more to bring it back to health and reflower.