Drooping flowers and dark soggy roots on phalaenopsis

[Sahlav]

Hi, I've received a pink phalaenopsis orchid two days ago that seems to be in bad condition. Its flowers are drooping and the roots are dark green and soggy (a sign of poor health). I am well aware that orchids should not look like this but have no idea why this is, and what I can do about it.
Could somebody please help me ?

[The room conditions are: lots of indirect light , near a window, 20 degrees Celsius]

THANK YOU!!!

[Paul Mc]

First of all, welcome to the boArd!!!!

The flower wilt may be because of either environmental change, bad growing culture or just because it's time for them to die back, or a combination thereof.

My question is what medium are the roots in? They look healthy enough to me as long as you had just watered in a day to three or so. If the medium is old and holding too much water then that might be the issue.

[Paul Mc]

Actually, now that I see the unbloomed pod, it's either overwatering, bad medium or shock of environmental change.

[Sahlav]

Thanks for your quick reply!
I think the medium is made of bits of bark and moss. Pretty much like all the other orchids I have. What do you think I should do ? should I cut the wilting flowers off? should I wait and see what happens? I haven't given it any water or anything like that.
Thanks for your help!

[Leafmite]

The roots actually look good. Firm and green is exactly what you want. Examine the leaves and stem and if there is nothing rotting, then the orchid is probably fine and the flowers are all that is affected.

[silken]

I agree, that looks like a pile of healthy green well watered roots. The flowers may just be finishing. One thing I would check quite soon is how wet the centre of the pot is and the conditions of the roots in the centre where you can't see them. This plant should be fine with the amount of good ones you have, but I always un-pot and check the roots on a new Phal as they are usually in very wet media.

[Sahlav]

Thanks guys, actually it seems that the leaves have been affected too; I've added two photos, one of the top leaves (which appear to be overall in better shape) and the bottom ones, which are much softer with yellow-brown blotches on them. The roots are slowly going back to a light-greenish colour, as I think they should be.

Any ideas... ?

Thanks again!

[Paul Mc]

Uh oh.... That's not good. Is it smooshy?

[Sahlav]

Yeah... it is. Should I cut the leaves? or let them die ?

[Paul Mc]

Cut them off immediately, and lightly sprinkle cuts with cinnamon. Be sure to use sterilized cutters and sterilize after, or just use a disposable razor blade. It looks like erwinia or rot, spelling on first is wrong, but both are not good.

How long have you had it? Was it close to any other plants/orchids. Get it into isolation quick in case it spreads.