Phalaenopsis Yellowing Leaves & Root Confusion: Repot, Assess, Seal Trunk Wound

Two phals bought mid-Dec, same care. White thriving; purple failing. Week ago: top 2 huge leaves yellowed from "trunk" outward, fell off. Stopped watering (overwater fear), but remaining 2 small leaves yellowing same way. Roots: exposed top roots white/light green in bark (clear pot in opaque cache), silvery-white above bark. Now some trunk-area roots dark brown/drying. Confusing: overwater signs but roots shriveling? Inner pot sat in water in outer pot (drained now). White phal also sat in water but fine. 70°F, hard water, no fertilizer yet.

Root Assessment Needed

Unpot both; rinse roots. Mushy roots = rot cause. Once root damage occurs, it's irreversible—but fresh mix grows new roots/leaves over time. Use drained pot, fir-bark mix, soak mix first. Hard water/70°F fine. Water 1×/week, morning, room-temp water.

Follow-Up: Aerial Roots & Trunk Yellowing

• Firm aerial roots = fine; green when wet (photosynthesize). Clear pot lets light to roots—good. ≥4 drainage holes helps.
• Yellowing trunk: if removable without losing healthy tissue, cut and seal with powdered sulfur or cinnamon.