Pictures are always helpful. A south window sounds like too much light to me. I have mine in a bright, but muted eastern window. If I were you, I would knock the orchid out if the pot and cut off the bad roots. Any root that is brown or mushy looking I would cut off. A clear pot is wrong for plants. It must be a merchandizing idea. Roots don't like light.

Sorry, it's in a clear plastic pot inside the decorative one. It's also beside a south facing window without direct light. Picture a dresser on a south wall with a window beside it, it's on the dresser. We're also only getting only 8:30 hours of sunlight right now.

Also, I can post pictures, but I would like to know of what. I have no problem posting many pictures, but I think it would be beneficial to only post relevant ones.

Pics of the plant so the readers here can tell you if it is in good condition.
Here are some notes for Canada which may help.

Here is a link that might be useful: Canadian orchid congress notes

A name of the orchid would be helpful. If it has no tag or any identifying information, then you need to show a photo. There are millions of orchids and they all require different care.

I am assuming it is a Phalaenopsis. If your plant is in a clear plastic pot that has a drainage hole, you can leave it for now. But do not let this plant sit in water. As you have already mentioned, any sitting water will rot the roots. These plants grow attaached to trees and their roots are exposed to air and do not sit in pots of water.

I will disagree with Zakey. Phal roots do like light and actually grow better receiving light and air around them. But, they do not like to sit in water.

This is not the best time of year to stress the plant. I would carefully slice a few slits in the clear plastic pot to allow some air flow, then place the clear plastic pot inside a clay pot or some other pot that has drainage. The roots need air and should only be watered when dry.

When spring comes around, the plant should be through flowering and can be safely repotted.

If you do this, your flowers should remain and you will still have a healthy plant when spring arrives.

In your zone, I agree with the light you are giving it. If the leaves are receiving direct sunlight you might get some sunburn. But in your zone, I doubt you will be receiving hot sun.

Phals like to be warm. The plant should be in a warm room. These are tropical plants and will rot if the temps are not reasonable. Do not overwater, keep the plant warm and do not get any water in the crown. Move the plant from the non-draining pot and cut some slits in the plastic pot. You can cut off the brown mush roots sticking out of the pot.

All of this info is based on my assumption you are dealing with a Phalaenopsis. You need to provide a name of the plant.

Check the following link.

Jane

Here is a link that might be useful: Phalaenopsis Culture

thanks Jane. I'll post some pictures shortly for help.

here is a picture of where it is. this is a south wall

This post was edited by fly_gal on Thu, Nov 27, 14 at 23:12

here is the whole plant (sorry it's sideways)

This is the root system

The worrisome bottom

I'm not sure if this is a dried up root/spike and if I should be concerned or not

It looks pretty nice but I agree with Jane- it could use some kind of ventilation like holes or slits on the side of the pot.

So where is Zone 3a? That is why I took a punt and sent you some notes written for Canada.
The clear pot is because the roots seem to like light and will turn green after watering. I agree that it might help to extend the drainage holes up the sides.
Plant looks in reasonable condition.
As for the light, the instruction re. the amount will depend on your latitude. In zone 3a the instructions re. light will be very different to that given for say San Diego.

Winnipeg is pretty much right on 50N latitude. We're North of North Dakota.

I have removed the roots that were sticking out the bottom. I will cut some slats in the pot. I plan on reporting to remove the rotten roots once its done blooming. I'm looking forward to this new challenge!

Thanks for the advice everyone. I may have more questions once it's done.

Hi fly_gal,

I just purchased my first orchid also and am interested to hear/see how your orchid is doing? Did you repot it? What potting media did you use? Fertilizer and watering?

Mine was a $1 special in the clearance section with no flowers, but healthy leaves but planted in sopping wet sphagnum moss. I figured at that price it was worth a try. I hope I've repotted it ok.

Looking forward to your update! And your flowers are gorgeous!