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phalaenopsis - leaves feel veiny and soggy


Question
my orchid was not blooming and had dark green leaves.  Then i moved it by the window but i think it was getting sunburn because the base of the leaves were turning red.  I have since moved it a bit further from the window (with indirect sunlight), and it seemed to do much better.  It has suddenly sprouted with 4 new roots all growing to one side, and a new leaf is growing.  However, the older (but still new leaves) are starting to feel a bit soggy or just full of water.  it is not turning black (yet) and I cannot see through the leaf's watery area.  It looks normal, but just feels like it's getting soggy.  Also, the older leaves are feeling veiny...like it's not smooth and firm...it feels like it's thinning out and i can feel the parallel veins.  

Am i feeding it too much fertilizer or too much water?  I fertilize every other week with fresh water in between.  Is this a bacteria or fungus or virus?  

Answer
I would guess that many of the roots down in the potting mix are rotting from a potting mix that needs to be replaced.  Obtain a hobby bag of orchid potting mix and then pull the plant out of its pot and clean the old mix from the roots.  My guess is that you will find some of the roots are "mushy" and falling apart.  These need to be removed before repotting.  Orchids can benefit from an annual repotting.  When repotting, put the new roots down into the fresh potting mix.  The older leaves will not recover and can be removed.  With a repotting, you should get more and stronger new leaves and roots-- but it will take a few months.  When the potting mix breaks down it retains more  moisture longer and allows less air movement through the mix which orchids need more than other plants.  Your watering and feeding schedule will be fine once you remove the old deterioeted mix and replace it with a fresh orchid potting mix.

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