Question
Hello, I have a phalaenopsis and the flowers were gone 3-4 weeks ago. I cut the spikes back and everything has been going fine until the last couple of days. I noticed first one of the leaves started to split, then that leave started to droop. I have been watering about 2x per week by letting the orchid sit in it's pot full of water for 15 minutes, then taking the orchid out and letting it drain before putting back into pot.  I think I could be over watering by what I have been reading, and the roots look firm but the color is white on many turning to green as the root goes lower. The few roots that are out of the pot are shriveling on the ends and turning brown and dry looking. I fertilize about once a month with a weak mix.  The color is still a nice green and whatever the plant has it is in the early stages of declining I believe. I plan to buy new mix tomorrow and have it pretty much out of it's bark right now thinking it's been too wet. The bark was still moist went I removed it. Do you have any idea if my issue might be over-watering and if so am I on the right track with new bark and re-potting?  Thanks!

Answer
Michael, I think you are on the right track. After you obtain your new potting mix be sure to strain out and discard the finer particles.  Then, let it soak before use.  Fir bark, when dry, is difficult to wet and, in its dry condition, can take moisture away from the roots. A new potting mix sshould nearly dry out prior to the next watering.  A clear pot would allow you to monitor root condition without removing the plant from its pot.  Remember that the plant needs to establish connections with the potting mix and pot so removing it can disrupt the connections already established.