Code Red for Green Star Phal!

[CCKling]

Help, help, help!
So I was in a co-workers office space last week, and noticed the cutest little orchid sitting between their 2desks. Not wanting to offend, did not ask whether it was real or not (it was THAT pretty, and I've never seen one of these before. I'm a permanent newbie!)
Today, I walked into the same space, only to find that the poor plant had gone south. When I asked what happened, I was just told - "we are going to throw it out, do you want it?". I can't see plants being thrown out, so I grabbed the poor little darling and brought it home.
The spike and the blooms have gone black. Not sure what it's all about. The leaves look reasonably healthy, but the root system looks like it can use some help. I just don't see the plant to 'secure' to its medium.
Can anyone help?
This is my first time on the boards, so I hope my photos come through.

[Rowangreen]

I'm new to this too, but...

The flower spike drying up is no biggie on it's own. You can cut it back. If any of it's still green you might want to cut it to a node, as there's a chance it will re-flower from there. But if all's well in the future it should grow new flower spikes anyway.

The roots look pretty dried out on top, but it looks like you have some good green ones lower down? Give it a good soaking, letting the excess water drain out of the pot. Don't get water in the crown (the leaves).

It looks like you've got it growing in mostly bark on the left and a big lump of sphagnum moss on the right. Either (or a mix even) is ok as growing medium, but a lump of sphagnum is bad news as it will hold the moisture unevenly, and make it impossible to get the watering right. There may be some rot going on because of it. It would probably be a good idea to repot it. It will probably go back in the same pot, just with new medium. The dried roots might still be working (especially if they are green further down), so only cut away when you repot if they are definitely dead and/or there's plenty of other good ones.

It would be good if you posted a pic showing the leaves?

[Paul Mc]

And show the roots. It's issues present themselves with root problems way before they show up on the actual plant and/or bloom stalks.

How fast did they die? 1 day or within a week or more?

[Leafmite]

As you are new, I'll share something I've learned. When you repot, styrofoam packing peanuts can be put in the bottom of the pot and in the center of the root mass to prevent the bottom and middle staying wet and causing root-rot. The leading causes of death to phals seem to be: 1) getting water in the crowns ( the top where the leaves join) and 2) the medium staying too wet and the roots rotting. Avoiding these two things will help keep you new phal healthy. Good luck! Enjoy!
Leafmite

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome to the OB!
Your plant is a phalaenopsis and there is a lot of helpful information here:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html

This video may also be of some help.

Repotting A Phalaenopsis Orchid in a bark mix - step by step instructions - YouTube

Joann

[CCKling]

Thanks all! Leafmite, great tip about the peanuts! Now I'll be in search of them! - I've been using river rocks, at least on my other phal, which has nice, dark green leaves, but refuses to flower.
I'll send pix of the roots once I take the plant out of the pot to replant it. What is everyone's preferred medium? I've been potting in bark, but also have sphagnum at home.
@PaulMc - I picked up the plant from a co-worker's office, but I'll say that the flowers died in a week's time.

[Paul Mc]

Since it was over the course of a week, it may just be that they died of "natural" causes. I'd check out the roots to make sure nothing is wrong there - that they are good and healthy. If they are healthy, then there is a good chance that it was the right time for them to fall off and you will be rewarded with more blooms next bloom season as long as proper care is given to it.

[johnblagg]

carefull with the peanuts ...put a couple in water first and see if they dissovle some these days are actually puffed cornstach not styrofoam

[Paul Mc]

And avoid any colored peanuts as well. At least, that's what I've been told.