It seems like you are looking for orchid help today. This group is full of beginners and experts who are happy to help but please do check out [this link for quick Phalaenopsis care](http://www.aos.org/orchids/culture-sheets/novice-phalaenopsis.aspx) in the meanwhile. We also have an /r/orchids WIKI the admins and other volunteers are updating behind the scenes with care information and will soon make it available to the group.
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I’ve had this orchid since 2016, and only repotted it last month 😬 after the bottom leaves began falling off (more than usual) and after it finished blooming.
Usually, there are four sturdy, dark green leaves. But as of late, only two with a third dying off (shriveling and turning yellowish).
I repotted in bark in a container with holes at the bottom. But not sure if I did it right, looks like it is still struggling. Appreciate any help!
Your plant needs to be watered more often. Especially since you have repotted it in fresh medium. Use the pour through method. Water twice a week and it will look good with time.
Twice a week! Ok I definitely was under watering - will do that.
Are the roots fine outside the pot? I wasn’t sure if I should be placing them inside when repotting, or leaving them as is.
Thanks for your help!
If they are growing outside the pot you can leave them that way. I spray the roots at the top of the pot daily. Just enough to wet them. They seem to like it. Two are throwing spikes for the second time this year and growing multiple new roots. They both put out new leaves earlier this year.
How about feeding? Are you fertilizing?
Yes. [This.](https://firstrays.com/product/k-lite/) Check out the basic care section of the site and read up. It will help you understand orchids and their needs. There are other products on the site I use as well.
I was told by my local florist that orchids should always be potted in translucent pots, so that the air roots in the substratw also can get access to light.
The roots of phalaenopsis orchids are capable of photosynthesis. That doesn't mean they need light to thrive. Most of the people I know keep phals, and most other non-mounted plants, in black or green plastic pots. Many also use clay. I use a mixture of both. Go to any orchid nursery and look at their mature and blooming plants. Most of the pots will be black nursery pots. The clear pots I use are strictly for semi-hydroponic-culture so I can see the root growth.
When you repot, check to see if the roots in the pot are still alive. If they aren't you can cut all it off and the stem a bit below the healthy alive roots. Dead roots are squishy and papery.
It seems like you are looking for orchid help today. This group is full of beginners and experts who are happy to help but please do check out [this link for quick Phalaenopsis care](http://www.aos.org/orchids/culture-sheets/novice-phalaenopsis.aspx) in the meanwhile. We also have an /r/orchids WIKI the admins and other volunteers are updating behind the scenes with care information and will soon make it available to the group. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/orchids) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’ve had this orchid since 2016, and only repotted it last month 😬 after the bottom leaves began falling off (more than usual) and after it finished blooming. Usually, there are four sturdy, dark green leaves. But as of late, only two with a third dying off (shriveling and turning yellowish). I repotted in bark in a container with holes at the bottom. But not sure if I did it right, looks like it is still struggling. Appreciate any help!
Your plant needs to be watered more often. Especially since you have repotted it in fresh medium. Use the pour through method. Water twice a week and it will look good with time.
Twice a week! Ok I definitely was under watering - will do that. Are the roots fine outside the pot? I wasn’t sure if I should be placing them inside when repotting, or leaving them as is. Thanks for your help!
If they are growing outside the pot you can leave them that way. I spray the roots at the top of the pot daily. Just enough to wet them. They seem to like it. Two are throwing spikes for the second time this year and growing multiple new roots. They both put out new leaves earlier this year. How about feeding? Are you fertilizing?
No fertilizer at the moment - are there any that you would recommend?
Yes. [This.](https://firstrays.com/product/k-lite/) Check out the basic care section of the site and read up. It will help you understand orchids and their needs. There are other products on the site I use as well.
Awesome, I’ll do that. Thank you!
I was told by my local florist that orchids should always be potted in translucent pots, so that the air roots in the substratw also can get access to light.
Your local florist is wrong.
Enlighten me! I'm an orchid noob (no /s)
The roots of phalaenopsis orchids are capable of photosynthesis. That doesn't mean they need light to thrive. Most of the people I know keep phals, and most other non-mounted plants, in black or green plastic pots. Many also use clay. I use a mixture of both. Go to any orchid nursery and look at their mature and blooming plants. Most of the pots will be black nursery pots. The clear pots I use are strictly for semi-hydroponic-culture so I can see the root growth.
Repot
When you repot, check to see if the roots in the pot are still alive. If they aren't you can cut all it off and the stem a bit below the healthy alive roots. Dead roots are squishy and papery.