Question
QUESTION: I purchased a pink and yellow phal in february and it has not been right since.  I repotted it with miracle grow for orchids and nothing.  I check the pot for water density, watch how much light it gets, there is no fruit aroung ir either.  We keep the house on 68 during the day.  That is the only thing i can think thats wrong is its too cold.  Please help! It is too pretty to die!

ANSWER: I have a number of questions Maggie?  When you repotted it did you check to be sure the roots were all firm and healthy?  Usually, drooping leaves mean root damage.  All damaged roots should be removed before repotting.  The potting mix should have a chance to dry out between waterings-- don't keep it constantly wet.  A wet potting mix can lead to root rot.  As long as the temperature doesn't drop below 60 degrees at any time, the temperature should be fine.  If you have it in a window and are in a cold climate, it might get chilled at night.  It likes to have morning sunshine if you can make it available.

I recommend that you unpot your plant and check for root health. If the roots are moist and in good condition then the problem is environment and you need to try to increase light and warmth.  If the roots are dry, but otherwise in good conditions, increase the watering frequency.  If some of the roots have rotted (which I suspect), your leaf droop is due to the inability of roots to provide water and nourishment to the leaves. In this altter instance, remove all unhealthy roots, repot, only water when the potting mix is dry (when in doubt wait to water), do not use water from a water softener, try to increase warmth and light.  Depending upon the amount and severity of root and leaf damage, the plant may need to grow new leaves and that will require your patience.

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QUESTION: Thank you for responding so quick! I checked the roots and some of them are an orange color and some of them are green.  Which ones are good? some of them were dead as well, i trimmed those.  I am such a new orchid owner and i am trying so hard! I put the plant on a table in front of a window where the sun comes in in the morning.  Please let me know which roots are good and which are bad.  Thank you

Answer
Maggie, orchid roots consist of two parts: a covering called the velamin and a hair-like center.  The purpose of the velamin is to aborb and store water and nutrients for growth. Roots rot involves destruction of the velamin.  Therefore, a root is healthy, when its velamin is firm.  The velamin also has chlorophyll, which is why it turns green when thoroughly wet.  Root hairs are brown and reflect the loss of the overlying velamin. The good roots are the ones that are firm and turn green.  It doesn't metter if there are some root hairs.  While they do not help the plant much in its quest for nutrients, neither can they harm the plant.