Question
I have a problem with a phal I've had for a few years now.  It developed root rot about two years ago.  I repotted in fresh media (it seems to prefer loosely packed moss) after removing a lot of roots.  I've gotten healthy roots and leaves since then and was happy to see a flower spike develop about 6-8 weeks ago.  I was waiting to see buds, but the spike has since turned brown at the tip, with what looks like a drop of brown "sap" at the tip as well.  The brown seems to now be spreading slowly down the spike.  Could this be a result of root rot again?  Would the spike have a chance to flower if I cut the brown part off?

Answer
Hello Mary Grace,

That is highly unusual for a phalaenopsis to not produce buds and flowers even if the roots were all rotten.  The plant will sacrifice itself in an attempt to produce flowers in the hope they will be pollinated and then produce seeds.  While sacrificing its own health, the leaves will become limp and wrinkly as it takes what little stored nutrients and water from them to keep the flowers alive long enough.  

Is the drop of sap really brown?  Most sap droplets are clear in color, I've never seen brown sap on an orchid.  As for the spike turning brown, it may be dying back even though it did not produce any buds or blooms.  If the leaves still look plump and firm, cut the top half of the spike off and hope it produces a second offshoot spike.  If the leaves are limp and wrinkly, cut the entire spike off then look at repotting it.  Even though you loosely packed the moss 2 years ago, moss tends to break down in less than a year.  The exposed moss on top may look fine but within the pot it probably is more like mush.  

Hope this helped.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.