Question
Hello Jim,
I have two Phal. Orchids that are dying.  One I have had for over 2 years, the other I bought at a slashed price hoping I could revive it.  Its roots were almost completely rotted (kept in water).  The first did not take well to a move from DC to Atlanta, where I currently live.  

Both orchids leaves are soft, (very soft)and deflated, and their root systems are almost non-existent.  I cut the dead roots, most were very dead.  However, both are putting out flowers from their spikes, and the older Orchid has released its second (baby Orchid).  The first is now in a pot on its own, but also has limp leaves.  What can I do to encourage root growth, and is there a possibility of reviving the older plants.  
I water maybe once a week (when potting mixture dries), have fresh potting mixture, fetilize occasionally (with Orchid Fert.) and think that I have the right amount of light.  Please Help... and thanks

Patrick Barnett

Answer
Hello Patrick,

From your description, both are near death or dead.  Why do I say this?  With no viable live roots, they are not getting any sustenance, thus the soft deflated leaves.  I imagine the leaves have depressions in them too, further indicating that the leaves lack moisture within them.  Leaves are the only water storage mechanism in phals, no water equals limp leaves.  Unfortunately, once this occurs there is not much you can do to plump them up again.  

Since they are not doing well, the best thing you can do in attempting to save them is to cut off any spikes.  Flower production takes up a lot of the phals resources and energy.  Also, many orchids will produce a spike while in their death throes in the hopes the flowers will be germinated, seeds sown and thus the species will survive.  

If one has a baby (keiki) growing on it, you might try leaving it alone and hope it grows some roots.  If it does grow roots, once they are over 2 inches long, gently twist the baby off and put it in a pot of its own but one that can barely hold the roots.  Too large a pot and you are inviting the roots to rot because the potting media will stay wet for too long.  It can be tempting to place a phal in a large pot because the leaves are so big.  The best pot size is one that will barely contain the roots.  

Light is one of the most important elements orchids need to grow and bloom well.  Phals should be placed where there is bright indirect sunlight, where placing your hand a foot away produces the faintest shadow.  

Hope this helps.  Sorry for the bad news.  Good luck.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.