Question
Dear Wayne,

I wanted to check again with you. I have a Phalaenopsis orchid, which I cut the spike last August after it finished blooming and repotted it as to your helpful suggestions.

I have seen new aerial roots growing, but in the past couple of months, there haven't been any aerial root growth, and the ones that were there have dried up and look dead.

Also, one of the bottom leaves is yellowing and turning limp. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong... maybe the pot is too big? Because I did get a very large 7'' pot. If anything, I was worried that I haven't been watering it enough, because my apartment is very dry, and maybe that's why the aerial roots are so brittle?

I wonder what you would recommend that I should do. You think there would be a good chance that a spike would still grow? The other leaves look very healthy.

Thanks!

Answer
Catherine, it is natural for older leaves to turn yellow and die.  These should be replaced by new leaf growth.  It also is not unusual for aerial roots to stop growing after a bit except in very humid conditions. Growth is more dependent upon roots in the potting mix- especially under relatively dry conditions.  Yes, it is still possible to have a flower spike develop.  Look for either or both new leaf growth and flower spike development as a sign of health.