I received this phal orchid as a Valentine's Day present, so I've had it for about a week and a half now. Over the past couple days, the bottom two leaves had started to turn yellow and go limp, which from what I've read, is not uncommon or generally cause for alarm. The roots that were visible through the clear plastic pot were all green and plump, and the other leaves were rigid with good sheen, so I wasn't too worried and had planned to wait until it was out of bloom to check it's roots and repot if needed. This morning one of our cats knocked it over and a fair amount of substrate fell out, so I decided I mind as well check it's roots right away... and this is what I found
I believe I attached four photos of the root base.
It resides in a small clear plastic pot with bark substrate, placed in a brightly, albeit indirectly, lit kitchen, with double windows on two opposing walls. I water it once a week with 1/4 cup of water and mist exposed roots whenever they start to silver. It has proper drainage but has never been watered in excess-- the substrate was just slightly moist today. I do have an orchid fertilizer, but have not yet used it. Is it being underwatered? The interior roots are yellowed, but plump. It otherwise appears to be in fairly good health...
Any ideas on what's wrong/what I can do to help?![]()








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