Rescuing Declining Orchids: Root Rot from Old Potting Mix

Al had 9 orchids; 3 declining with damaged spikes, few leaves, dry roots. Expert separated issues: 1) Spike dieback is natural—cut brown spikes; green spikes may rebloom if cut above 2nd node. 2) Real problem: root rot from old mix. Repot annually after flowering in fir bark mix (not moss). Moss compacts, restricts air, holds water. Unpot yellowing plants—find mushy roots. Roots conduct nutrients AND photosynthesize. Healthy roots = firm, green when wet. Three bad plants likely unsalvageable; repot the other six if not recent. Expert offered repotting walkthrough.