Need help with Orchid - Orchid Board

Darewood · #1 05-29-2010, 07:38 PM

Ok so I bought this from walmart, for my fiancee. I don't remember exactly when I bought this, I think it may have been for valentines day. But since the flowers fell off maybe a month ago or a little longer, she has been worried about it. I read somewhere that ice cubes were bad for the orchids? I watered it with water before we left for a week vacation with the same amount of water that 3 ice cubes would be. We just got back and its has gotten worse, I have included pictures. So hopefully someone may be able to let me know what we have to do to save the orchid

Thanks, Derek.

Imageshack Album, figured it would be easier this way.
ImageShack Album - 7 images

WhiteRabbit · #2 05-29-2010, 08:16 PM

This is a Phalaenopsis orchid.

It actually doesn't appear to be in bad shape - what I see are some aerial roots that are dry - at least one is probably dead. Not a big worry. Just probably got a bit dry while you were gone. Aerial roots can be a challenge for me in my dry climate.

The flower spike is just dying back - that's normal after blooming. Some don't die and may continue to bud, or grow keikis (baby plants). But if it's browning and dying, that's ok. You can cut it off.

The one leaf looks like it was damaged somehow - but I don't think it's something to be concerned about.

Now would be a good time to repot the plant. I think most people would advise to repot in medium orchid bark mix. It is probably currently in sphagnum moss, which retains a lot of moisture for a long time - hence the "3 ice cubes" instructions. Bark will dry faster, and will need to be watered more - run lots of water thru the pot. Let the media become just about dry before watering again.

All that said - there are many people here with more success growing this type of orchid than myself - and I am sure they will chime in with opinions and advice!
gl

PaphMadMan · #3 05-29-2010, 08:32 PM

I'm not sure I see any problem. The leaves look quite healthy except for one that got broken somehow. The flower spike is dying back, which is normal after the flowers are gone. It can be cut back to just above a healthy node below the oldest flower scar and it may branch from that point and get a few more flowers, otherwise you will have to wait till a new spike develops from the base. Some of the roots in the air are shriveled, but this is also normal when a plant is moved from a greenhouse environment to a home environment. The amount of water you describe is not enough in the long term, but it also looks like the pot may not have drainage holes, possibly keeping the potting mix too wet at times. If there are no drainage holes, make some or move it to a different pot. When you water you should soak it completely then let it drain. Do not let it sit in water. Water again when the surface has been dry for a couple days but before the potting mix dries out completely. Get some water soluble fertilizer and use it at 1/4 strength every time you water. It should do just fine.

Call_Me_Bob · #4 05-29-2010, 08:41 PM

welcome to ob! i agree with whiterabbit, your plant looks pretty healthy.

phalaenopsis like filtered or indirect light. you will have to wait for someone else to chime in if you want temperature preferences. i just know they like the conditions in my plant room. i do know they like to have a temperature drop at night.

phals are epiphytic, that means they live clinging to tree in nature. so they need to dry out almost completely before being watered again. for beginners most people with recommend bark, because it dries our quicker.

one of the most common beginner mistakes is watering to much.

when you water, soak all of the media, and let the water run out of the drainage holes in the pot. that pink pot that you have it in, should have a clear plastic pot inside of it, its okay to keep the clear pot inside a decorative pot, as long as the outside pot has drainage holes. MAKE SURE NOT TO GET ANY WATER IN THE CROWN! this will cause crown rot and probably be the end of your plant.

you dont want to water with ice cubes because they will burn the roots from being so cold. ironic i know

Rosiefuture · #5 05-30-2010, 11:28 AM

I water my Phals with slightly warm water and you can almost see them wriggle with pleasure!

Marion

RosieC · #6 06-02-2010, 08:12 AM

You've had some good advice above.

I will agree with others that the best way to water is to run water through the pot and out the drainage holes in the bottom. Let the media get thoroughly wet then make sure it has stopped dripping water before putting it back in the outer pot.

Actually I can't see if you have an inner pot and an outer pot, if it is in a pot without holes you really need to repot in to one that does have holes. The main thing is that it likes to get really wet when you water, but then it needs to not be left standing in any water at the bottom, or have water trapped in the bottom of the pot.

If you have an inner platic pot you can judge when to water next by the colour of the roots. Green means don't water again yet, silvery means it's time to water again. If you don't have a clear pot that allows you to see the roots (the ones at the bottom ,not just those on the surface) then you can try the skewer method, you should find info about that if you search the forum.

As for the surface roots. I like to get them wet when I'm watering (as said above avoid water in the leaves/crown) and it seems to keep them plump. You can also mist the arial roots but again try and avoid misting the leaves as it can run in to the crown and cause rot.

Call_Me_Bob · #7 06-02-2010, 12:33 PM

i got a noid rescue at walmart with the same pink pot, and it had an inner pot, so i think it should have an inner pot, but check to make sure