My new 'wal mart' orchid is wilting.

[duh_im_blond]

My daughter purchased an orchid from wal mart, for my mother's day present. I have had it for several weeks now. I am following the 3 cubes instructions that came with it. It is not in direct sunlight, but gets plenty. My pretty little blossoms are wilting and falling off. Is this normal or could it be because I am using the half moon shaped ice instead of the cubes?

[camille1585]

Hi,
Is your plant in moss or bark? First thing you should do is unpot the plant and have a look at the roots. If they are mostly rotted that would explain the wilted blooms. If it's in moss, I would repot in bark. The moss is usually very compacted, and holds water way too long. If the roots are healthy, either they all ready to fall off (if it was bought in full bloom, you know know how long the flowers have been open) or you are not watering enough. Forgive me for saying this, but the ice cube watering instructions are worthless. For one, the water is too cold for the roots, they prefer roomtemp/lukewarm water. Secondly, that's not enough water for orchids. In bark, orchids like a good drenching under the sink, in moss you have to be more careful.

[duh_im_blond]

Thank you very much. I had wondered about the ice. My plant is in bark, the roots look very healthy. There are quite a few roots tho. I have thought that they are not getting enough water, but I am no expert lol. Thank you again!

[camille1585]

It's good that it's in bark! Is it in a clear pot? That would help you with the watering. I water either directly under the sink if I'm not fertilizing, otherwise I let the pot soak in a container of water for about 20 minutes. If you have a clear pot, you'll know when to water again by looking at the roots. If they are green the plant has enough moisture still, but when they all become silver-white, you need to water again. At this time of year (depending on where you are located) that usually means watering every 3-6 days.

[RosieC]

I agree with everything Camille has advised about how to water.

The only thing I would add is after soaking or running water through the pot make sure to let it drain. Don't leave the pot standing in water.

Make sure there are holes in the bottom of the pot. A clear pot is an advantage as Camille said, but a pot with holes in the bottom is esential to allow it to drain after watering.

[duh_im_blond]

Thank you both very much. I have been told I have a brown thumb and I am hoping to change that! I will take your advice gratefully!!

[SamandAnne]

I'll pass on something I learned the hard way, too...when you water under the sink, just let a slow flow of water go into the pot, and avoid getting the leaves and crown of the plant wet. This can lead to rot that can kill the plant. If you use a slow flow in the sink, it's easier to be careful where the water goes! Enjoy your orchid!

[RosieC]

:iagree:

[Amanda L]

Welcome to the Orchid Board! Where are these orchids coming from that give instruction to water by putting an ice cube in the pot? I have never seen this kind of watering instruction, but have seen it posted several times on the forum. I wonder how many orchids have died from these instructions?

I agree with all that is stated above. The water should be tepid when you water. If you do happen to get water in the crown blow it out or put the corner of a paper towel in there to soak it up.

Enjoy your new orchid!! Lets get you addicted!