Phal problem - bases of leaves turn yellow, stem black

[Tindomul]

Were you waiting for it to dry before watering it again? It sounds like you overwatered your plant. I would take it out of the pot, let dry out a little, and repot in fresh sphagnum moss if you have it. If it still has one or two leaves that look ok and are firmly attached to the plant you might be able to save this. If not, then it is too late. The key to these is to let them dry out a little between waterings, never leave them soaking wet, and don't let water stay on the crown without it drying out in less than an hour.

[AnnieM]

Thanks for the answer, I'll dry and repot the orchid as soon as I get the moss. It was never soaking wet, but maybe I overwatered it a little, since several websites (Phalaenopsis Watering | How to water a Moth Orchid | Plant-Care.com for example) say it should never be completely dry It still has two leaves, one of them is yellowing a little but both of them are firmly attached. I hope it can be saved.

Originally Posted by Tindomul

Were you waiting for it to dry before watering it again? It sounds like you overwatered your plant. I would take it out of the pot, let dry out a little, and repot in fresh sphagnum moss if you have it. If it still has one or two leaves that look ok and are firmly attached to the plant you might be able to save this. If not, then it is too late. The key to these is to let them dry out a little between waterings, never leave them soaking wet, and don't let water stay on the crown without it drying out in less than an hour.

[camille1585]

Repotting in bark would work as well, the problem with sphag is that in a lot of people's conditions it doesn't dry out evenly or fast enough. Doesn't mean it wouldn't work for you, you won't know until you try.

Remove any squishy/hollow roots and repot into the smallest pot the roots will fit into.

As to watering, yes it shouldn't be completely bone dry, but it shouldn't still be wet either. For Phals in clear pots this is very easy to judge, all you have to do is look at the root color. Green roots (and moisture beads in the pot) means that there's enough moisture. However once the roots turn a silvery white color, then it's time to water.