Phal Bloom question - Orchid Board

Melody · #1 03-24-2010, 12:23 PM

So, one of my phals has 12 blooms, 3 of which have started to wilt/die (the oldest ones). However, the plant has not let these suckers fall off. One of the blooms has been shriveled, and dried up (feels like paper) for about 2 weeks. I'm just wondering if this is normal? Is there something wrong with my plant. My other phal will drop an old bloom in just a few days from it starting to wilt.

PS. In the good news department, I've only had these plants for a little over a month and the other phal has completely recovered from it's bout with mealybugs and started sending up a new leaf and two new aerial roots...i'm excited.

cb977 · #2 03-24-2010, 12:36 PM

They don't always fall by themselves...a little nudge helps

My hubby can't believe it when I walk around removing blooms that are no longer looking their best but aren't quite dead

Melody · #3 03-24-2010, 12:55 PM

I've nudged and even lightly tugged and they seem thoroughly still attached...when I tug on one, I can move the whole spike with it.

I could cut them off???

trdyl · #4 03-24-2010, 02:24 PM

Yes, they can be clipped close to the spike. But, flame sterilize your clippers first.

jkofferdahl · #5 03-24-2010, 04:12 PM

Like Sue, I am prone to remove flowers which aren't yet really "wilted" but which are obviously past their prime. When a simple tug doesn't work, I've found that a fingernail chops it right off (just don't use this method on more than one plant at a time).

Tindomul · #6 03-24-2010, 04:17 PM

Hey, yup, a simple snip will do. If you are really worried about infection some cinnamon powder on the wound should do. Or sulfur if you have it.
Also, maybe some one was a little over enthusiastic at the store and pollinated the flower. Do you see any thickening of the stalk?? You might have a developing ovary. But the chance of that being the case is like 1%, lol. Good luck with your orchid.

Melody · #7 03-25-2010, 01:46 AM

Thanks guys for the input... I'll probably cut them off with a sterilized tool. I am a bit curious though as to whether it would ever drop them...I fear that it wouldn't and I'm almost tempted to leave one on there just to find out... To me they seem beyond wilted. The petals are completely dried out and I could see them falling off the stem, and the stem still being attached to the spike...lol.