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Originally Posted by gracepeters
Hi there my name is Grace, I am new to the site and new to orchids. I have recently been given 3!! One a know is a phal, it was labelled, this one has just bloomed and seems to be doing great. Do I leave the stem as is. The second I have no idea, the very fragrant large bloom had just died when it came to me, now the stems of the leaves are turning a mottled brown and yellow and then this gradually goes all the way through the leaf which turns brown. Help!!! The third one has small spiky leaves with a lot of roots growing outside the pot. Seems to be okay. Is this how it is supposed to be. How do I post pictures for you to look at. Phew a newbie who cant stop typing SORRY!
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Hi Grace! No need to apologize, we've all been there and done that. The phal is in bloom now? If yes, leave it be but make sure the stem is supported with some type of clip or tie. Is that what you meant by leaving the stem as is? That one needs only medium light, not bright sunlight.
Without pics it's so hard to give any advice, and I'm computer challenged, so I would say to search up top for how to post pics. Someone else might give you a link that will help you. But the second sounds much like a cattleyea which would need more light. Just a guess here, but sounds like you are talking about the brown of the stem and the sheathe? The sheathe is a papery layer that covered the bud before blooming and it comes out where the leaf is. The leaves should remain green. It's normal to have a spent brown stem and sheathe and you can cut that stem off to the base of the leaf. Again, pictures would be the sure way of knowing.
Roots growing on top of the medium is perfectly normal.
Anyway this will bump you back on top and someone will guide you better than I can.
Grace, there is a wealth of information here on this site. Just browse around and you will find answers to all your inquiries.
and I hope I haven't confused you.
New to site
Hi Grace, I joined yesterday but have a bit more experience and would suggest clipping the spike near the base of the plant with clean scissors or a knife. Sounds as if the phal has been too wet. I would shake it loose and examine the roots. Sometimes orchids purchased from markets are potted in moss and other medium that could cause root rot. Spring would be the better time to repot so if the roots are in good bark just let them air dry a little and water once a week if dry.
Not around here! 
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