Beallara question - losing flowers

[gf207]

Hi, I live in Texas and just bought a Beallara Patricia McCully 'Pacific Matriarch' at a plant sale. The seller suggested it would like more light than my Phals, so I put it in a slightly shaded east window that still gets pretty good light. Within a few days almost all flowers facing the window have dried up, but the one facing away from the window (which is also the last flower at the end of the stalk) is still looking great. I moved it away from the window this morning, but the plant itself is a darkish green, which I've read means it should be getting more light! Any ideas what I should do? And is there any way to bring the flowers back into good condition once they've started to wilt?

Thanks!

Greg

[Tropicgirl]

Hi Greg and welcome to the OB! What type of medium is your orchid in? Have you watered it since bringing it home and how often? Also, it would help to post some pictures of your orchid so everyone can get a better idea of what your dealing with.

[gf207]

Hi Angela,

Thanks for the welcome and the help. I've attached some pictures. I bought it from the local orchid society at a garden sale and it appears to be potted in their mixture, which is supposed to be 60% pine bark, 20% charcoal, and 20% sponge rock. Since I wasn't sure how hydrated it was at the time, I have given it a little water since, but just small amounts.

Greg

[SFC]

The bloom you have left is very pretty, I am sure it is stunning in full bloom, however it may be a little dehydrated, often orchids will drop their blooms when they aren't getting enough water.
When you do water which i think would be about once a week or maybe every 5 days, give it a really good drenching then let it mostly dry out between waterings.

[WhiteRabbit]

the pbulbs do look shriveled - I don't know if thats the cause of the blooms whithering or not. I would not allow this one to dry completely between waterings

[Zoi2]

I have two Bllra's, not the same as yours, but mine do not like to dry out. I keep them just moist.
Joann

[Tropicgirl]

Hi Greg! I agree that the pbulbs look a little shriveled. I would place the pot in a tub of water just short of the pot height (you don't want your bark chips floating away). I would let it soak for about 30 mins. to an hour then let it drain and don't water again until it starts to dry. I hope this helps!