Question
My fiance gave me a beautiful phalenopsis orchid with purple flowers on the day that he proposed to me!  I have had it for about 17 months now and it has not bloomed at all since the original flowers died.  It has however been growing several new leaves and roots.  I currently have 4 sturdy green leaves with a new one on the way.  It lost its two bottom leaves about 4 months ago and looks like another bottom leave might be beginning to wilt.  It also has several roots that have become brown and mushy.  It seems like the potting mix is always moist and I hardly ever water it.  I keep my orchid near a south facing sliding glass door with an overhang.  It sits on a table that is about 3 feet from the door.  I think the problem is the potting mixture and I would like to repot it but I don't know how or when.  Am I correct in thinking this is the problem or is something else going on?  Also, is repotting it something I can do on my own or should I take it to a nursery and have them do it.  If it is ok to repot it myself some step by step instructions would be a huge help.  I can't seem to find those anywhere.  Thank you in advance for your help.  This orchid is very important to me and I would love to see it bloom again soon.
Sarah

Answer
Hello Sarah,

You mentioned that the potting mix remains moist a very long time, that could mean it has broken down and should be replaced.  Phalaenopsis orchids love moisture around their roots but not constant wetness which can cause roots to die and rot (brown and mushy).  

You can repot it yourself, it really isn't hard to do.  Here is a guide on how to repot it.  

1. Purchase a orchid potting mix appropriate for phalaenopsis or one that will allow water to freely drain through while retaining some moisture.  Many growers use medium to large grade orchid bark with a little perlite or sponge rock (expanded volcanic rock) ideal for phals.  

2. You probably can reuse the current pot it is in, just wash it before reusing it.  But, if there are few if any live roots, you may have to downsize to a smaller pot because too large a pot for number of roots will allow the potting mix to remain wet too long, leading to the same problem you currently see.  

3. Once you have the supplies, remove the phalaenopsis from the pot and clean off as much of the old mix as you can.  Check the roots for any that are soft and mushy, cut off any that are.  Live roots will be firm when squeezed.  

4. Now you are ready to repot it.  Place about an inch of mix in the pot, position the plant in the center and the lowest leaf just below the pot rim.  Fill in around the plant with mix until the pot is full.  Gently compress the mix while holding the plant in position, add more mix as needed.  

5. Water it and place it in a warm shady location for about 3 weeks.  During this time, allow the potting mix to become almost dry between waterings.  You may lightly mist it in the morning to help maintain humidity if you wish.  

6. After 3 weeks, move it to where it will receive bright indirect sunlight, temperatures from 60F to 85F, humidity above 50% with some light air movement around it.  Continue the regimen of watering when the mix becomes barely moist.  It would be a good idea to feed it once in a while with a balance type orchid fertilizer.  

As for getting it to rebloom for you, it will probably be next year before it does as phalaenopsis normally bloom once a year during winter or early spring.  

You said it has been growing new leafs and roots, have the new leafs grown to be as large or larger than the older leafs?  If not, that could be due to the broken down potting mix along with a lack of fertilizer.  With repotting and regular light feeding, it should hopefully grow with renewed vigor and produce blooms for you next year.  

I hope this helps save it for you.  In the meantime, you might drop a hint to your fiance that you would love another one so you have some flowers to enjoy until this one revives itself in the coming year.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.