Question
Hi and thanks for this site ! I have followed your instructions and read up on how to deal with root rot. Assuming I didn't do more harm than good...what might my phaleanopsis have for a survival rate ? No blooms, 3 floppy nice green leaves and I think I have everything else o.k, but who know? And do they die quickly from this problem?  Thanks ! D.

Answer
Hi Darcy,

Hopefully your phalaenopsis will survive.  One of the biggest mistakes people make with orchids is watering.  Most orchids prefer the potting media to become barely moist between waterings but new orchid growers tend to water them on a schedule, rather than as needed.  If the leaves on your phal. have become floppy due to rotten roots caused by overwatering, if you are careful with watering it might survive.  Keep it warm and out of direct sunlight, humidity above 50%, some light air circulation around it and water as needed.  Although the floppy leaves probably won't become stiff again, new leaves should grow to eventually replace them.  Leave the floppies alone as they still are capable of keeping the phal. alive until new roots grow.  

As for how quickly it can die.  That depends upon how many live roots are left, how often you water it, whether any insects make their home on it, etc.  Death can be slow, taking upwards of 2 or more months.  Hopefully yours will survive!!!  If it does, nurture it and it should thrive.  Phals. should produce a new leaf every 4 to 6 months, with a new leaf emerging as the prior leaf is reaching maturity.  Speaking of leaf maturity, any new leaf should grow to be as large or larger than the previous leaf, if it does not, that may indicate a problem that needs your attention.  

Hope this long-winded response answered your questions.  Good luck!

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.