Dying Orchid - stems drying up from tip downward

[Andorian]

My first orchid. At first it did really well, however, it has lost all its blossoms and is drying up from the top down.
How can I bring it back to life, and properly take care of it?

I have no idea what kind of orchid it is. Long Oblong leaves, and white blossoms with roundish petals (not pointy). Given to me as a gift.

[sucuz]

First of all, welcome to Orchid Board.

From your description, I'm guessing that you have a phalenopsis (aka phal, moth orchid). Though they may bloom for months, the floral display will eventually end for the season. Sounds like your orchid has simply come to the end of its bloom life. The flowers fall off & the stem will eventually dry to a twig. Simply cut off the drying bloom spike at the base. Your plant will grow a new bloom spike in due time, probably once a year, though it may turn out to be a re-blooming hybrid in which case you have a happy bonus.

You would do well to read the thread "The Phal Abuse Stops Here". It is quite long, but well worth the reading as it will cover a multitude of problems & answer most of your questions.

Again, welcome.

[WhiteRabbit]

Is the whole plant dying, or just the bloom spike/stem? If it's just the spike, it may simply be finished blooming from that spike. After blooming the spikes normally will begin to die - from the tip downwards as you described.

[trdyl]

Welcome to OB!

Looks like sucuz and Sonya have you on the right track.

[gmlileve]

Thank you for asking this question. I'm having the same problem and it gave me the answers I needed too.

[wintergirl]

Welcome to both our new members!