teacup orchid is wilting

[Francesca P.]

Hi everyone, and thanks for all you previous help. I just got a teacup orchid for valentines day, and it is wilting. I've moved it to my bedroom where the light is better filtered, and I water it once a week. What can I do? Please help, and thanks.

[cbuchman]

Francesca, A picture would help. Can you post one? Can you easily look at the roots? DO they appear healthy (not brown or mushy)?

[Vanda lover]

Does the orchid have good drainage? Sometimes the containers they are sold in have none.

[WhiteRabbit]

Post a couple more times, than you will be able to post pix, which would be helpful. http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ng-photos.html

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

A "tea cup orchid" is a Phalaenopsis in a tea cup.

Please look under posts regarding Phals.

[Vanda lover]

No drainage?

[Francesca P.]

Hello everyone, and thanks. I can see the roots through the plastic container and they look green and healthy, however there are 2 roots that come out through the bottom and they are brown and soft. It has good drainage, there is a inner plastic container with holes and water comes out easily when watered. I do water it in the sink to allow for extra water to drain before putting it back in the ceramic pot. I'm unable to post pics right now, I'm still new. Thanks again everyone.

[Wild Orchid]

I'd take the plant out of the ceramic pot immediately as the ceramic prevents air access. I'd also get rid of the inserted plastic and repot Phal into a clear pot designed specially for orchids. If there's noone handy, any clear container would do, even a mayo jar with drilled holes.

Phals need lots of air circulation and excessive watering can kill them quickly. Water only when the roots are ALMOST dry, which is difficult to achieve in the setting you described.

To post a picture after you finished your post, go down to the bottom of the page and click Manage Attachements button. The rest works pretty much the same way as regular email attachments.

Hope this is somewhat helpful for a start.

Lilia

[Francesca P.]

Hey lilia, thanks. But I don't quite understand, sorry. There are 2 containers that came with the phal, an outer ceramic pot and the inner clear plastic pot with drainage holes. How is this plastic pot different than a clear mayo jar? Can I just remove the ceramic pot and keep the phal in the original clear plastic pot? Thanks for your help.

---------- Post added at 04:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:22 AM ----------

I have tried to post pics of the phal, I don't have a computer. So I use my android phone, I suspect this may the problem. It won't let me upload anything to the site. I hit the "choose file" button and nothing happens. I apologize. Should I try to describe the phal instead?

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

A "tea cup orchid" is a Phalaenopsis in a tea cup.

Please look under posts regarding Phals.

I have also seen a Cymbidium in a tea cup too! Go figure! But next year it will begin reverting to the usual miniature to mid size, more natural size. Chemicals can do weird things to plants for mass marketing of "hostess gifts".



CL