Question
I have read several responses to why the leaves of my phalaenopsis have fallen off and I regret lack of knowledge did me in...but now what do I do?  Is there any hope left for my poor plant?  The stem is still green but all the leaves and parts of leaves that were down by the roots have fallen off or dried up.  Should I cut back the stem or since that is the only way the plant will get "food" leave it alone?  Oh the questions!  Thank you for your advice in advance.

Answer
Hello Toni,

From your description of what has happened to your phalaenopsis orchid plant, I'm afraid it does not look very promising for survival. Are all of the leaves gone? If so, enjoy what blooms are left and once they die off, discard it.

Sorry for the bad news!  

Now, you might ask "why did this happen?" I think you may have watered the phalaenopsis plant from above, getting water on the leaves. You also might have watered it in the afternoon or early evening, both are "no-no's" for orchids in general. It is always best to water in the morning and to try to not get water on the leaves. Why, you ask. Good question. (grin) Water left on the leaves overnight can be a prime breeding environment for fungus and bacteria which, left unchecked for several days, can slowly kill your orchid. If water does get on the leaves while you're watering, use the corner of a paper towel or napkin to remove it. Also, if you notice any black sooty substance in the leaf bases, remove it as soon as possible with a Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

Hope this does not keep you from trying another phalaenopsis. If you do buy another and would like information about how to care for it, write back and I'll give you some hints. Fair enough? Oh, it is helpful to know where you live and where you plan on growing it (window exposure, etc.).

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.