Question
I have a green ladyslipper orchid, I have had for 3 years it was from our grandma fujii's funeral she used to work for houserman's orchids in Illinois.  I moved a few times and it has not adjusted well and unfortunately got root rot.  I repotted it, and removed the rotted roots.  It has new tiny root growth and the 3 tiny leaves at the top are muted green, and has some tiny bud/stem growth on sides of main stem.  Unfortunately I see brown/black growth that is slowly crawling up the main stem between the top leaves and the roots.  I don't know if I can save this orchid, but it has greaq meaning to us and would like to do anything I can.  I am not sure if I should cut stem from roots and try seeing if new root can grow or what.  Please help, although our grandmother grew and bread orchids for over 40 years we of course were not given her knowledge.
Thanks for your time

Answer
Kristy, I assume you repotted your orchid in a seedling type of orchid potting mix.  If you don't have any, you could E-mail Hausermann's for some of the mix they use on their Paphiopedilum lady slippers.  With regard to the black growth, it sounds like it is a fungus of some sort. I would be most concerned if it were in the crown of the plant where the leaves originate.  As a preventative and treatment, you could try pouring some listerine mouth wash on it a couple of times a week in the morning. I don't see any reason to cut the stem from the roots as that might cause even greater distress.  The fact that it has some new growth is a good sign.  Don't keep it too wet.  Only water it when the potting mix is almost completely dry (try inserting a bamboo stick into the mix and feel if it feels damp.  If so, do not water yet.  They like humidity so if you can use a pebble try with a bit of water to wet the pebbles and set you plant on top of the pebbles that would be good.  Also, if you have a small fan that can just barely move the air about the plant, that would be good.  Do not use softened water from a water softener.  Use 1/4 tsp of a balanced plant food per gallon of water every other watering.  Feel free to ask any followup questions now and/or in the future.