phalaenopsis

[ReneeCody]

Hello Everyone I am an Orchid Newbie with a lot of questions. My husband recently purchased me an orchid and the last thing I want to happen is for it to die. My most pressing concern right now is that each time I water it it looses at least one flower if not two. I am very concerned that soon it will no longer have any flowers and I see no buds that are growing to open. I have checked my roots and they look very healthy. I am concerned about repotting.

[Pantsonfire]

Where all of the flowers open when you got it? The flowers usually last for 2-3 months after the first blossom opens. But if they were all open when you got it, who knows how long it has been in bloom? You may be able to get it to reflower quicker if you cut the spike off behind the first flower. There are instructions around here somewhere.

There is usually a leaf or 2 that grows from the crown each year. They usually don't grow until after flowering.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

See if this will give you some inspirational ideas on how to grow your Phalaenopsis, just scroll down:

Google Image Result for http://www.ibanorum.netfirms.com/Hanguana190207.jpg

[RosieC]

I agree that if all the flowers were open when you got it then it is probably just loosing them from age, especially if you have checked the roots and they look OK.

If the plant looks healthy then you can try cutting the spike just below the lowest flower to try and force a side spike with more flowers.

Either that or, once all flowers are gone, cut the spike right down as close to the plant as you can without damaging the plant. Let the Phal grow and strengthen then in the Autum (Fall) as temeratures drop it should start to grow a new one.

[ReneeCody]

Thank you all for your response. All the flowers were open except for one bud on each spike, and they opened very shortly after I received it. It has four leaves and one of those has turned yellow and I am guessing from reading here that is just the normal process. Thanks again!

[RosieC]

Provided your roots are healthy (which you said you had checked in the first post) then it probably means that the leaf is just at the end of it's life.

[RosieC]

The other thing I've just thought of is to ensure you are watering enough.

It is important not to over water BUT it is also important not to underwater as well.

A yellowing leaf, while it could just be age, could also be an indication the plant is not getting enough water.

Not getting enough water can either be due to rotted roots (and overwaterering) or due to underwatering. As you have checked the roots that makes me think underwatering is possible.

How do you water it?

The best way to water is to either run water through the pot and out the holes in the bottom until the medium is soaked, or dunk the pot in water for a few minutes until the medium is soaked. Once you have done either of those things allow the pot to drain well and ensure it is not left standing in water.

You should do this whenever it needs it and not on a set schedule. There are several ways to tell when it needs it...

1. If you have a clear pot you can look at the roots through it. If they are green then they don't need watering. If they are silver then it is time to water again.

2. If you don't have a clear pot, then a wooden skewer can be used. Keep one pushed in to the medium, when you want to see if it needs watering pull the skewer out. If it is damp or feels cold on your cheek then it is not time to water. Once the stick comes out dry it is time to water again. Always put the skewer back in the same hole to avoid damage to the roots.

3. The third method is the most tricky and I've not got the hang of it myself. That is to feel the weight of the pot and judge if it needs watering from the weight. If it feels heavy it does not need watering, it gets lighter as the medium dries out.