Question
QUESTION: Hi Jim..
I have a phaelonopsis orchid that I bought almost three years ago.  It's been doing very well, flowering once a year and continuing to push out new leaves throughout the year.  I have 2 flowers left on the cane(so it's almost done with blooming) and it just put out 2 leaves.  However, I'm a bit concerned since I've already had one older leaf turn yellow/orange and then brown and die and now it's happening to another leaf too.  These leaves are from the bottom of the plant, closest to the pot.  I also have really healthy roots.  Is this just normal 'self pruning'?  Or should I be worried?

ANSWER: Hi Shari,

You're doing a GREAT job caring for the phalaenopsis, keep it up!!!  

Yes, as long as it is the bottom leaf that turns yellow and dies, that is normal.  You may lose one or two leaves during a year but as long as it is making one, two or more new leafs, losing one is not a problem.  

After several years, you will notice that the leaves are set fairly high above the pot due to the lowest leaves dying off over time.  When repotting it, set the bottom leaf to be just above the pot rim.  New roots will grow from the main stem, in fact you may have a few already growing along it.  

Keep up the good work!  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks!  I do have some roots starting to grow from the main stem actually.  When repotting though, some of the roots have draped out and over the pot and are just about as long as the height of the pot.  I doubt I'll be able to stuff them into another pot when replanting.  Is that all right?  Also, any online recommendations on where to purchase orchid pots?  There were hardly any good selections at the hardware/gardening stores.  Thanks again for your help!

Answer
Hi Shari,

While repotting, soaking the roots in lukewarm water for 5 minutes can help soften them enough to put them into the pot.  But, don't worry if they won't go in.  For wayward roots that will not go in, lightly spray or mist them in the morning to help maintain moisture and humidity.  

As for potting supplies, here are some to try:

Calwest Tropical Supply  Phone: 800-301-9009
11614 Sterling Ave.
Riverside, Ca. 92503

OFE International  Phone: 888-633-4685
Located in Florida
Web site: www.ofe-intl.com

Gardening Warehouse Direct   Phone: 817-275-6554
1221 California Lane  Suite 100
Arlington, Texas  76015
Web site:  www.gardeningwarehousedirect.com

Tropical Plant Products   Phone: 407-293-2451
P.O. Box 547754
Orlando, Florida  32854-7754
Web site:  www.tropicalplantproducts.com

Hope these help with finding the pots you want.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.