Ends dying, will easily break off. Don't know what to do!

[maggie9931]

Okay, so this may not be strange to you but I'm new to this orchid thing!



I just joined this board not too long ago. I have had this orchid since May. When I first got it, it was in FULL bloom. One branch was taken off via a doorway. The other two survived. They have slowly lost all their flowers. I believe I have seen 2 buds go into a bloom, but they didn't last but for about a month at the most. I water when I notice that it's semi dry. I check it multiple times a week so it isn't neglected. Any ideas of why the ends are turning brown like that? They will break off VERY easy as well and I really don't know what is causing this or how to fix it.

Please let me know if you would like for me to upload a picture of something specific, or if you would like more details. I would love any and all input!

Thanks for reading and for any advice!
-Maggie

[maggie9931]

DSC03060.jpg picture by merobinson0510 - Photobucket

Link to the picture! Sorry, it didn't attach!

[RosieC]

Hi Maggie,

Those look like Phal spikes. Phals spikes often brown and die back after the flowers have faded and it's quite normal.

Personally I just cut the spikes off as close to the plant as possible (being careful not to damage the plant). I do this whether they are still green or not, some people prefer to wait and see if they turn brown first because if they stay green you can sometimes get a few more flowers on them.

Ones the spike has died back (and/or you have cut it off) the plant will grow another one when it is ready. This will often be arround the time the weather cools down as they like a temperature drop to start new spikes.

Anyway... nothing wrong with your plant from that picture... it all looks normal.

[WhiteRabbit]

Could be that it's just finished blooming. Some Phals will continue to bloom for a long time, but usually it is a few blooms at a time, as older blooms fade, new buds will develop and bloom.
Most however, will bloom, and then the spike will die - which is I think what yours is doing. It's likely nothing "wrong". Especially if you plant (roots included) look good.

[maggie9931]

DSC03060.jpg picture by merobinson0510 - Photobucket

That's the link to my orchid pictures on photo bucket.


Is there anything I need to do extra to it? Like break off the 'dead' part?

[Rosiefuture]

Hi Maggie, welcome to the OB!

What Rosie was saying is to cut all the spikes off about an inch from their base not just the brown bits. This will let the plant concentrate on growing.

Marion

[GrayceH]

oh goodness lost to a door??? oh well i suggest you move it if thats where you keep it but all the things you say are normal sounding to me

[CTB]

Welcome to the Orchid Board, You could cut your brown spikes off and leave the rest to see if you wake up a bud., in the green part of the spike. The flowers dropping was probably from bringing it home to a new environment. It look normal and well. Move it to a safe spot and enjoy.