Phalaenopsis Near Death: 2 Leaves, 2 Roots, Stringy Root Remnants—Can It Be Saved?

Question:

Phalaenopsis very sick. Had ~7 leaves, only 2 left (yellowing/falling). Removed from mix—all but 2 roots brown/wet/soggy. Tugged off soggy parts, left with long skinny strings (root cores). 2 green leaves, 2 healthy roots, strings, sitting in bowl. In bloom: 6 flowers, ~10 buds. Saveable?

Answer:

Hello Amy,

Hope to save it. Are the 2 leaves the top two? Phals produce new leaves from top—top leaves must be healthy. If not, little can be done.

Cut dead stringy root remnants to ~3". Repot in fresh orchid media—stringy roots stabilize until new roots grow.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, CA