Sad Phal Orchid..Help!

[newOrchidLover26]

I am very new to this site and I am having a great deal of trouble with my Phal Orchid! I got this orchid for Valentines day and since then it has dropped all of it leaves except for one, and the final leaf is now getting a dark spot at the base and is mushy and appears it will break off as well, the buds have turned a yellowish color as well, what should i do???!!

[BobInBonita]

Welcome to the OB!

Pictures would help be more specific, but from your description it probably is too late. An orchid without any leaves and signs of rot at the crown probably has little or no root system. There likely is not much to save - sorry.

The good news is that since you have only had it two weeks, it probably is nothing you have done. It was most likely seriously compromised when you got it.

When you get your next orchid (or better yeat while still at the store) look at the roots. If it is in a plastic pot (or in a plastic pot inside of another pot) slip the whole root mass out of the plastic. If it is tightly packed with sphagnum it may be compromised. Peel back the sphagnum and look at the roots underneat. If they are green, then it was overpacked for sale and you can easily remove the sphagnum back to the green layer. You may need to go further. If the inner roots are black or mushy looking - do not buy the plant or return it immediately for a refund if you already have. Healthy roots on a phal will be plump and white, light green or green. If they look liker black threads, that is the central core remaining after the root has rotted off.

Check the forum for specific instructions on repotting and medium selection and don't overwater - it is the most likely cause of most problems.

Best of luck with your next orchid - sorry your first one was a problem.

[RosieC]

Sorry to say I agree with Bob. It sounds like it's too late for this one

Now remember... to get over the loss of an orchid you have to buy two more orchids to cheer yourself up

Seriously I would give it another try with a fresh one. Take Bob's advice about checking the roots and come here for care advice and you should have better luck next time.