Phalaenopsis from Glass Vase: Root Rot, Keiki Found, Repot & Recover

Husband's orchid in glass vase did well. Repotted to vented plastic after move. Bottom roots rotted, top okay. Continued bloom but leaves brown/yellow/fallen. Single green stem 5" up, new leaf at base, ~5 live roots at top. Other roots dried in soil. Nurse back? Repot? Keep healthy roots above soil? Cut dried roots? Fear insufficient base.

Root Cause & Fix

Unvented vase → roots too wet → rot. Repot in fresh orchid mix after each bloom. Orchid roots need air movement; naturally grow exposed to humid air.

Repotting Steps

1. Unpot, rinse roots, remove mushy (dead). Healthy = firm, green when wet.
2. Use fir-bark commercial mix (Home Depot/Lowe's/nurseries). Soak before use.
3. Pot size = just right for remaining roots. Base level with mix surface.
4. Dried roots = corky covering (prevents moisture loss). Can pot some if soaked (brittle), or leave out—no harm.
5. Water: dry between, thorough soak. No standing water.

Bonus: Keiki on Spike

New plantlet (keiki) at node on spike. If spike stays green, it matures (roots, leaves, may bloom). Most remove & pot separately when rooted. Use appropriately sized pot—too large → mix stays wet.

Light

East window = morning sun preferred.