Drooping Petals - Help - Orchid Board

wizard425 · #1 04-30-2009, 04:33 PM

I am a new orchid grower and have a question. I recently purchased 2 orchids from an Orchid show that was here in the Cleveland area. I spoke at length with the man I purchased these beautiful orchids from and have a fact sheet on Miltonia's. I have not over watered and have kept an eye on the soil moisture. I have a couple of very drooping petals and I'm concerned that I am not doing something, or have overdone something. Even my phalenopsis has a couple of drooping petals. Can someone help me with any info you might have on why this is happening? Thanks!!

MuscleGirl'sHobby · #2 04-30-2009, 05:12 PM

So it's just the blooms drooping? If so, it's most likely that they're just reaching the end of their blooming time. Also, when an orchid goes through a big change in it's growing environment, (as it would going from the grower to the show, and from the show to your home) it's not uncommon for the blooms to drop or at least shorten the time that they stay in bloom.

Do you have pictures of the orchids? We'd be able to tell a lot more by seeing them

wizard425 · #3 04-30-2009, 06:21 PM

Thanks, I've uploaded 2 photos and they're in my gallery.
Would you mind taking a look at them?

MuscleGirl'sHobby · #4 04-30-2009, 07:06 PM

Yup, just looks like it's done blooming. Foliage looks good on the Milt. Can't see the foilage on the phal, but I'm sure it's fine too, so that's all it is

With love and care, they'll bloom again. When the spikes are done on the Milt, you can cut them. Don't cut the spike on the phal unless it starts to turn brown. As long as it's firm and green, it can bloom or put out keikis.

Good luck with your 'chids! Oh... and welcome to orchid board!

wizard425 · #5 04-30-2009, 07:23 PM

Thank you..I feel so much better. How far down would I cut?
Lynne

learning2letgo · #6 05-01-2009, 08:27 AM

If you're going to remove a spent spike, I would cut it a few centimeters above the base of the stem... That's what I usually do with my dendros and phals... I take a little cinnamon powder and add enough water to make a thin paste and dab it over the cut spike with a q-tip... Just a little natural herbicide

A lot of times, orchids will droop or lose their bloom and cease new buds when changing environments... Sometimes you'll hear this referred to as bud blast which is just a term to describe the shock of the plant being relocated. It's basically being a fussy child and saying it'll show you for moving it...

You've got to love your 'chids! Plants really are funny (seriously)... They respond to care in such a manner sometimes it'll have you scratching your head for sure...

Best wishes with your venture and don't get discouraged, with a little TLC you'll have rebloomers in no time!

wizard425 · #7 05-01-2009, 08:51 AM

Thanks for the tips about cutting! Since I am a teacher, I'm well versed at handling upset children

I have a beautiful plant environment in my home, and I think my new children will make fast friends with my violets and their other siblings. Thanks again. Lynne

learning2letgo · #8 05-04-2009, 10:11 AM

Oh! Well, it is a safe bet that if you are growing violets successfully that you will have no problem with growing exotics such as orchids! Best wishes, Lynn

wizard425 · #9 05-04-2009, 10:22 AM

Thank you! I'm sure I'll have other questions!
Lynne