Help for leafless Phal

[akhenenra]

Hi folks wondering what the standard treatment is for an orchid that has taken a big time beating. I have a Phalaenopsis that recently bloomed and seemed healthy. However once it finished blooming every leaf on the plant steadily turned yellow and fell off, over the course of about 3 weeks. I also lost all but two roots each about 1-2 inches long.

I am assuming I managed to overwater it based on the symptoms. I was just curious what I should do now. The plant is alive so since it was likely drowned should I not water it until I see some new growth? I'm not sure if I should try to do something or if nothing is the best course of action here. I also have it in a grow tent which if that matters. Appreciate the help.

I didn't attach a photo but it's basically a small base stalk and two roots, not a lot to see.

[Roberta]

It sounds to me like you need a new plant... if the root system is very robust, they will occasionally produce a new growth at the base of the plant. (Once the crown is dead, it won't produce any more leaves from the top) But it sounds like the roots system is in poor shape too.

It is really easy to overwater a Phal in sphagnum moss. For your next plant, consider repotting soon after you get it. Phals typically don't mind being repotted while in boom. I suggest bark rather than sphag, because it is free-draining. Roots suffer from inadequate air, rather than too much water. So if you use a free-draining mix like bark, the water flows through pulling air behind it, resulting in a healthy environment - "humid air" rather than "wet".

[estación seca]

Read about Phals here. From the left yellow menu choose Forums then Beginners. Near the top is a sticky thread The Phal. abuse stops here.

[Paphluvr]

Trash it, buy another for cheap at a big box store and adjust your culture. No use wasting time and effort on a near goner. Learn from your experience.