Question
I have had a Phalaenopsis hybrid for about a year. It used to have about 15-20 gorgeous flowers on it. And just over the past month all the flowers started dropping (even though I supported the stem, I think it was too heavy). The roots of the orchid were popping out of the pot, and I just recently transplanted the orchid to a larger pot. It only has five flowers left, and they look like they're struggling to stay attached. They've turned papery, and the stem is turning brown. How do I save my gorgeous orchid?
Perhaps it's the soil? I used to have dirt, then switched over to moss? Although that was long before the flowers started dropping.
Thank you in advance for helping.

Answer
Hello Caitlin,

If your phalaenopsis has been in bloom for a year, the blooms are dying off because it probably is just time for it to take a rest.  Most phalaenopsis blooms will stay fresh for 2, 3 months and longer so yours has really done well lasting a year.  As for the stem they were on turning brown, that is normal once all the blooms are gone.  

Repotting into a larger pot along with changing to moss could lead to some problems with rotting roots.  Large pots will tend to retain water longer plus using moss as the potting media will tend to make matters worse because moss really retains water the longest of orchid potting media.  A large pot along with moss is a good combination for those persons who do not water their plants very often but it can be a fatal combination for those persons who are religious in watering on a schedule.  

Once all the flowers are gone, remove the stem by cutting it off about an inch or two from the bottom.  This will allow the phalaenopsis to begin the process of recovery and getting ready for the next bloom cycle which hopefully will be in late winter or early spring.  

Hope this has helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.