moth orchid with droopy/sagging petals

[darbz]

I have a moth orchid...I don't know the scientific name and the petals are droopy. The tag said to water with 3 ice cubes once a week. I have drone that for about 3 weeks now. What can I do to fix this. The plant receives sunlight, is in a warm room (i use a heater for about 5 hrs. Of the day because live-in Pittsburgh) and there is a modifier running. Helpppp please

[johnblagg]

ahhh just add ice orchids......

the directions on these are simpliy not right.Ice cubes dont like orchids and you need to water with room tempurature water not ice water.

if it is in a pot that sits inside a decorative container take it out and to the sink and water it well with nice tepid water.Let is sit awhile and drain and water again.

Or even sit in in a container that will let you soak it for 10 or 20 mins and then drain it.


This will be the start of its recovery.You need to look at the roots and make sure they have not turned black or brown and mushy with rot and look at the medium it is planted in as well.

you should take a look at the forum on phals and read the culture sheet you should find there.

Keep asking questions and the people here will get you growing in the right direction soon.

[slipperfreak]

I agree with John. Adding ice cubes to orchids is just dumb advice. I don't know why people sell them with those directions.

If the petals are droopy, the flowers are probably just finishing. This doesn't necessarily mean the plant is unhealthy (though it will be if it continues to get ice cubes); it just means the flowers have run their course. They can last for two or three months, but will often die prematurely in the transition from greenhouse to home (especially if they end up in a dark corner in a supermarket or something in-between). The next time the plant blooms, you can expect them to last a long time.

[Matilda]

Check the pot that it's in. I've found that some of the chain stores plant orchids in pots with no drainage. Make sure it has good drainage holes and if it doesn't, move it to a pot that does.

Also be sure to check the media. You might want to change it. Sometimes they have packed a ball of moss inside the roots and it leads to root rot.

If you are going to grow it in moss, please get the good sphagnum moss. It will have AOS on the package. The cheap moss is not good enough imo, and holds too much moisture.

[RosieC]

I agree with all the advice above.

To be safe from rotting roots it's best to make sure they go silvery between waterings, not just on the top but all the way down (a clear pot is best if possible for this). Then when you water, water thoroughly as described by John, the roots should then go green and slowly turn back to silvery as it dries.

[Becca]

I agree with everyone else....but I just wanted to add that depending what kind of potting medium it is in, you may not want to soak it....if it is sphagnum moss, I wouldn't recommend soaking it at all!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by darbz

I have a moth orchid...I don't know the scientific name...

Your plant belongs to the genus Phalaenopsis. There is no species name because it's a hybrid not a species. As in you have an unnamed Phalaenopsis hybrid (as in, you own what's called a no ID - aka NOID).

Originally Posted by darbz

...and the petals are droopy.

As was stated by a few members, the blooms may have run their course or have prematurely went out due to issues with acclimation.

Originally Posted by darbz

The tag said to water with 3 ice cubes once a week. I have done that for about 3 weeks now.

Again, others have stated correctly not to use ice cubes to water your Phal (Phal is the actual scientific abbreviation of Phalaenopsis).

Here's why...

They're from the lowland to midland forests of tropical Asia. A few examples of places of origin are Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

Originally Posted by darbz

What can I do to fix this.

There's nothing you can do about the flowers.

And I suggest not watering with ice cubes.

Two things that are obvious from your post.

Originally Posted by darbz

The plant receives sunlight,...

How much?

They grow in shade to bright shade.

Originally Posted by darbz

...is in a warm room (i use a heater for about 5 hrs. Of the day because live-in Pittsburgh)

Can you elaborate? A day to night temperature range with actual numbers, please.

Originally Posted by darbz

...and there is a modifier running.

What's a modifier?

Please click the link, it may make clear what you're dealing with.

I recommend reading the captions.

These are someone's pics of Phalaenopsis in the wild.

Phalaenopsis in situ - Flickr: Search

I hope they are of some use to you.

Should you have further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Oh...

And as was suggested by a few members, it is highly recommended that the roots be checked as well as changing the potting medium out to possibly, medium to large grade bark.

Or should the relative humidity (RH or humidity for short) be low, maybe using something like Hydroton, or LECA or some form of semi-hydroponic medium (s/h for short), might be of interest to you.

[Ray]

I'll bet "modifier" is "humidifier" (ain't spell check wonderful for the substitutions?)

[johnblagg]

Originally Posted by Ray

I'll bet "modifier" is "humidifier" (ain't spell check wonderful for the substitutions?)

I would bet your right on that ....BUT then again that would "Modify" the humidity LOL

[darbz]

Yes I did mean humidifier and thank-you everyone.