Question
Four of the seven phalenopsis in my collection are having problems. The leaves are wilting and turning thin. All the rest of my orchids are doing fine.

They are on a shaded lanai in southwest florida with plenty of air movement. I have a mister set up to water them each day at 8am for 4 minute. I have been doing this for 4 years. The dendrobiums, brassas, oncidiums and others love it. Only the phals are having trouble.I have tried to replant one and it seems to have hurt more than helped.

Any suggestions?

Answer
James, usually, the problem you have described is due to root rot.  You indicated that you attempted to repot one of the phals..  Usually, one of the most important aspects of repotting to check for root rot. You did not describe what you found when you unpotted your phal.. Rotted roots are collapse roots and need to be removed before repotting. Also, it is important what type of potting mix your phal was in and what type of mix you used to repot it.  Most potting mixes break down or compact leaving little opportunity for air movement at the root zone.  This is exacerbated by overwatering.  The leaf problem is likely due to the loss of roots that support those leaves. Repotting will not reverse the damage that has been done but will faciliate the growth of new leaves.  In most instances, phals need to be repotted annually with a standard orchid potting mix.  I'm aware that many commercial Florida orchid growers grow in sphagnum or lava rock.  The sphagnum is fine as long as it is long fibred sphagnum and it is not compacted when used for repotting.  The lava rock or expanded clay has the advantage of not breaking down, doesn't have the overwatering potential and does not compact. After repotting you phals in a suitable potting mix, it will take a couple of months before you will see the beginning of new root and leaf growth.