Phalaenopsis yellowing leaves and wilting flowers, possible rot

[anneVB]

My boyfriend's Phalaenopsis has yellowing leaves. the two under leaves (were completely yellow, no brown spots) fell off as soon as I gently lifted them (to try to see any further rot) and when they broke off, there was quite a bit of slime on the wound. The flowers (bloomed over two months ago) are wilting all at the same time (two already fell off) and there are visible issues with some of the exposed roots shriveling, as shown in the photo next to my finger). He says he waters it by filling the pot with water and then letting it drain in the sink. It has been in the coldest corner of the flat (he lives in a very small urban apartment) next to the window (blinds are usually down) but the temperature dropped here in Virginia Beach from the 60s to the low 40s last week, and has been staying cold outside. He works 9 hours a week, so he doesn't use is heater much, and it may have been as low as 64 degrees Fahrenheit in the apartment. Since the first two flowers fell off, he opened the blinds "so it could get more light," but I have a feeling it just got even colder without that additional barrier between the cold glass windows and the pot. Also, as you can see, the small very top leaf (that started to grow) turned black and has a dry white (possibly mold?) substance on the undersides.

I moved it away from the cold window and tried to water it a little a couple days ago, but it's just getting worse! What can I do to save this beautiful "White Wedding" Phalaenopsis??

[kiki-do]

It looks like crown rot. I would get it out of the moss and check the roots. If you have black mushy roots, they need to be cut with a sterile scissors. Swish the good roots (hopefully you have some) with Listerine (reg not minty). If that is crown rot, it may not make it.
Phals need some light, not bright light, but good light. They also need to be watered well, then let almost dry out before rewatering. No water should lay in the crown. Hope that helps you!

[BikerDoc5968]

"Looks like crown rot....." It is crown rot...trust me I've bumped off more than my share due to this nasty disease! While I can't be sure, your phal may be past saving... you can do as suggested by Kiki and also sprinkle some cinnamon.....

[anneVB]

thank you!!! should we re-pot it in bark instead of moss??

[BikerDoc5968]

There is nothing wrong with sphag. Lots of people on this board swear by it and or a mix of bark/sphag. I don't use it because I have a watering problem....I water too much and have knocked off too many plants, so I use bark/CHC mix. You can try repotting but as I said earlier, your plant doesn't look too good now but you have nothing to lose so repot and see what happens

[kiki-do]

Anne,
Check the roots and see how bad they've gotten. That might be a clue as to what to do next. I think Doc is right, that it's too far gone, but I never give up hope unless I have to.

[let_it_grow]

I'm sorry to say that i dont know if it will make it. From the look of the plant the newest leaf died as it was about to emerge and the only 2 leaves are yellowing from the base. There is now no energy from the leaves making its way to the plant. If a new leaf emerges you might be able to save it but unless that happens i dont know if it will come back. I would recommend repotting it and cut the bad roots. Make sure to treat the cut parts with something like listerine or peroxide (thats what i use cause it fizzes on the bad spots). If you find rot I its worth it to keep it out of the pot with bare roots for a couple days (not too long, don't let it dry out too much) to prevent further bacteria growth before repotting. If you keep it bare for a couple days make sure to keep it out of the sun or it will wilt. Make sure the new pot has good drainage.