Question
My orchid plant bloomed beautifully last fall.  Since then, the base of the leaf stems are gradually turning yellow and becoming "squishy".  I have some new leaf growth but have not been able to get it to bloom.  I consulted an orchid grower at my local Botanical Gardens and he said the yellowing was normal and these dying stems were actually food for the new growth.  The plant doesn't necessarily look unhealthy but it also doesn't look right to me.  There are a lot of roots extending from the base of the plant.  Is it possible it just needs to be repotted?  I have hesitated doing this up until now because I was under the impression this orchid liked crammed quarters.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thank you!

Answer
Maureen, the yellowing and loss of older leaves is normal but the "Squishy" areas are of great concern as that indicates that fungal/bacterial rot has set in.  You need to obtain powdered sulphur, rootone, or other powdered fungicide and proceed as follows.  Remove the plant from its pot and remove any tissues that are squishy.  This may be done by cutting the unhealthy tissue away or removing any affected pseudobulbs.  Seal the cut or torn tissues with the sulphur or  other fungicidal powder.  Then repot using  a stanndard orchid potting mix-- especially one having tree fern as a main ingredient.  I have found tree fern to be a good ingredient in any mix for oncidium alliance plants.  Use a potting mix with little or no moss as moss tends to compact restricting air movement.  Use the smallest pot you can find for repotting.  Restrict watering to once per week for at least a month to prevent any further spread of disease.  If my answer raises any further questions, feel free to ask.  Thanks for sharing your concern with me.