Question
I have an orchid that i received in october. I also left it in the pot that it came in. The leafs have fallen off now, and when they did, they got really soggy where the leaf connects to the root. However, they were still green. Can you give me some advice on reviving my precious orchid?

Answer
Hello Elizabeth,

From your description of what happened to your orchid, I'm afraid it is a goner.  Sorry.  

It sounds like what happened is a fungus grew at the base of the leafs, killing the leaf tissue there and causing the leaf to fall off even though the rest of the leaf may have looked fine.  Botrytis fungus is in the air and when it comes in contact with water, it has found a new home in which to grow and multiply over night.  The way to prevent or minimize this is to only water and mist the orchid in the morning so, hopefully, any water droplets can evaporate before nightfall.  Having some light air circulation around the orchid also helps.  

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.