Question
Their leaves slowly thin and wrinkle.  I've looked for bugs. NO bugs.  It's like anorexia of the leaves.  They look so sad wasting away.

Answer
Hello Sharon,

What you describe is the classic result of a phalaenopsis that no longer has any live roots left.  Phalaenopsis orchids use their leaves to store water and nutrients and without any live roots it is taking the water from the leaves in order to survive.  Unfortunately, without live roots and no new roots growing, it is a slow death.  

I am not certain how far gone your phalaenopsis is, but, if you are game, let's try to revive it.  Of course, if it is too far gone it may still not survive.  

Remove the entire plant from the pot, remove all of the potting media from the roots, remove any roots that are soft and mushy as they are dead.  Do not remove any floppy, wrinkly leafs if they are still green.  They may not look very nice but they are still barely alive and may help keep what is left of your orchid alive until it starts on the road to recovery.  

Place a barely moist paper towel in a large plastic bag (Ziploc baggies work great), lay the phalaenopsis on the towel and close the bag while trapping some air in it.  Put the bag in a warm shady place and once a week take a look to see how it is doing.  Don't worry if it seems nothing is happening, this will be a slow recovery process.  Once a month open the bag, check the towel and remoisten if it seems dry, check to see if there is evidence of new root or leaf growth  then reclose the bag.  If all goes well, you should see new root growth after 2 to 3 months.  Wait until there are at least 2 new roots that are over 2 inches long before removing it from the bag and potting it up with fresh potting media.  

You're right, it is anorexia of the leaves.  

Hope this helped.  Good luck!  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.