Phalaenopsis with black roots, yellowing stem-help!

[JessieC]

And if I can only find fine or coarse orchid mix, which is better? It sounds like that is what Home Depot and Lowes have for options where I live.

[Carpe Diem]

If I only had those two choices, I would take coarse. The fine Mix takes alot longer to dry.

[JessieC]

Will I have to water several times a week with the coarse? Also, from my pictures, any tips on which roots to cut? Especially whether to cut the ones connected to the stem near the top?

[JessieC]

Okay so I got an orchid mix that has perlite and charcoal in it. Do I need to soak the mixture overnight before I use it? I would love some advice on cutting the roots!

[Carpe Diem]

Yes, soak the mix. No, no watering several times a week, that is way to much for a Phal.! I think once a week is average. How often you have to water depends on your conditions/climate. When the roots turn a silvery color, it's time to water. I put wooden skewers down in the pots, pull them out to check how moist they are. When they approach dryness I water and stick the skewer back in the pot.
As for the roots, I cut off everything that is mushy and/or hollow, no matter where they are growing.

[JessieC]

Great, thanks! Also, I read somewhere to keep the plant in a dark room for a month after cutting roots and repotting, but mine is still flowering. I've had it to the side of a north-facing window (I'm in SoCal, so always sunny), but the window has vertical blinds so I can make it dark too. What do you recommend?

[Carpe Diem]

I would put it a little shadier, but not dark. I don't think any plant would grow in the dark.
Have you considered cutting off the inflorescense to aid the plant in it's recovery? I know it is painful to cut off a flower spike. If you can't bring yourself to do it now, just keep an eye on yor Phal. If it takes a turn for the worse ( hopefully it wont ) you can still cut off the spike.

[JessieC]

Ok, I'll probably know better whether I need to cut the spike once I get a better look at the roots. I'll try to post a picture if I think they're really bad. I read on another post that some people mix moss and bark--it's in moss now, should I mix some of that with the bark or start totally fresh?

[Carpe Diem]

I don't use moss, it stays wet to long for my taste. I'm afraid of root rot. Lots of people mix bark and moss, or use moss only and their orchids are thriving. I can't advice you on that, I only know what works for me, I'm growing in a cold climate.
Right now I have a Enc. cochleata in pure sphag, it's a experiment. That particular orchid is supposed to be tough as nails. I'm keeping my eye on it and if I see any negative effects, I'll repot it in bark.
I would not use any of the old medium, don't know what might be lurking in there.

[JessieC]

Well, here's what the roots looked like once I trimmed them down. The sphag moss was REALLY tightly packed in there, but there actually weren't too many mushy ones inside, though some had black/rotting tips. I did have to cut away some completely rotten/hollow ones from the top. Some of the firm ones that were inside are yellow, though, which you can see in the pictures. Are those still healthy?

You can see how tall and robust the flower spike is, so I would hate to cut it. It even had a second little spike going before the bud blast--should I cut that or let it go?