Question
I have a phalaenopsis that has wilted leaves.  It started at the bottom and moved to the top.  I checked the roots, but they are fine.  I misted them and they turned green and were firm.  It even has roots that come outside the pot that are healthy.  I don't see any signs of insects either.  What could be the problem?

Answer
Hello Thomas,

From your description of what happened to your phalaenopsis, it sounds like the leaves wilting might be due to root damage deep inside the pot.  Although the roots near the top and outside the pot might be fine, the roots deeper in the pot that you don't see might not be.  The only way to be sure is to unpot it and check all the roots.  I suspect that you may find that the roots inside the pot may have all rotted.  If they are rotten (soft and mushy), remove them and repot into fresh potting media.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.