Question
I have been growing Phalaenopsis orchids for some years and some of them are now raised up in their pots by several inches because the original lower leaves have died.

Could you please advise me on how to treat these plants.  Do I simply repot them more deeply so that the compost comes up to the lower leaves or is there some other form of treatment?

Thanks,

Michael H  

Answer
Michael,

I am not an orchid expert but I consulted Ed Hake, a friend who is and here is his answer:

Definitely they need repotting. Most likely the lowest portion is not alive and may be cut off allowing for the plant to be reset lower in the pot with fresh orchid medium. If the roots are still good at the bottom then just replant into a larger pot so the lowest leaves are at the top of the orchid medium

Good luck.
                                   Darlene