Question
Dear Wayne,

I have a phal orchid.. I've had some help from you guys in the past, which I really appreciate. I cut the orchid stem back in August and also repotted it as your suggestions. I've been watering it faithfully, and am hoping that there will be a new spike. However, I don't see any...
There are new roots growing. I am a little concerned because I think our apartment is very dry, and I've noticed that the roots look very segmented and brittle. Some of the older ones have dried and broken off.

The leaves are still green and firm, but I'm worried becaues they aren't as green as before and are a little dry at the edges. I'm worried that I'm killing the plant... or that  I'm still underwatering it?

What should I do? Do you think that it will still grow a spike and have new flowers?

Thanks!

Answer
Cat, I wouldn't be concerned about the aerial roots (ie those outside of the pot).  While they are more likely to be influenced by low humidity, most of the roots to support the functions of the plant are down in the potting mix and need to be healthy.  Since you have repotted the plant in the past 6 months and cheked the roots at that time, I have to assume that those are OK. You could set up a pebble tray which you fill with water to the top and set the plant on top of the pebbles so it doesn't sit in the water.  That could add more humidity in the vicinity of the plant.  I don't recall your light levels, but if you have the plant in an east window where it can get some morning sun that should be fine. Try to keep it away from any hot air registers or vents.  It sounds like there is no reason for concern at this point.  If it fails to send up a spike in the next month or so, let me know and we'll need to review your growing conditions.