A big-box store near me is usually a good source of inexpensive, blooming orchids. At a recent visit, I was asked to 'diagnose' what might be wrong with a group of phals that were on their way to the compost pile. Besides severe crown rot, every one of the plants had yellowed and dropped leaves. The containers they were in were saturated with water; and the roots were mushy or non-existent. Incidentally, the inflorescences were perfect.
You can't judge a book by its cover - so when you are considering a purchase, inspect the plant as carefully as you can for any sign of poor growth, insects, etc. Then, make it a habit to repot orchids as you buy them. This way, you can inspect the plant and treat any potential maladies before they become a big problem. Quarantine them and gradually introduce them to your collection.
Alcohol and a mild dish soap can be used against mealies, some scale, etc. I use a baby toothbrush or artist brush to get into nooks and crannies where critters hide. Then, I'll let plant/roots air out over night before planting in fresh media.
Hope this helps ... happy growing
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