i think my orchid is dying. i

[The Orchid Boy]

Wow. It really doesn't look good. Here's a link to the gallery for everyone's convinience: amdrum09 Gallery - Orchid Board Galleries

[Leafmite]

I think you need to buy another orchid. In addition to the advice already given, be sure not to get water on the leaves when watering (crown rot). Phals like bright but not direct light and temperatures around 60-80 (warmer is preferred). They like to be watered well but not stay wet. Never let the pot sit in water. I am guessing your second orchid will fare very differently.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Ok, let's start over from the very beginning...

Yes, "amdrum09", after viewing the pics in your gallery, your orchid is, 100%, without a doubt, most definitely a Phalaenopsis hybrid.

Phalaenopsis is the genus name of the type of orchid you had.

The genus name consists of the Greek words "Phalaena", and "opsis".

Phalaena + opsis = Phalaenopsis

What does the word Phalaena mean?

In Greek, phalaina means moth.

There also used to be a taxonomist named Carl Linnaeus who used to designate moths into the genus Phalaena. So, no matter which way you go about it, essentially, "Phalaena", means moth.

The word "opsis", means "looks like".

So:

Phalaena + opsis = moth + looks like = Looks like a moth

This is why orchids in the genus Phalaenopsis carry the common name of "Moth Orchids".

Phalaenopsis = Moth Orchids

What is the name of the Phalaenopsis hybrid?

I have no idea. If it didn't come with a tag that had a name printed on it, then your Phalaenopsis hybrid would be considered a no ID Phalaenopsis hybrid (aka NOID Phalaenopsis hybrid).

And as "The Orchid Boy" eluded to, and as "Leafmite" said, it is too far gone to be saved. From what I see in your pics, neither leaves nor roots are alive at this point.

If you want another Phalaenopsis orchid, (hybrid type or species type), you can try purchasing some from specialty nurseries that take care of their stock better than a place like Walmart does. In the case of Phalaenopsis hybrids, you definitely get what you pay for. Usually, (not always), the less expensive a blooming sized Phalaenopsis hybrid is, the more likely it had been mistreated or is in bad health.

Since it is highly recommended to start over with a new orchid, should you decide to purchase another Phalaenopsis, I still recommend reading the sticky: http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html, from the very beginning. I think it will give you far better insight into the world of Phalaenopsis than the information you may have had to begin with.

If you would like some recommendations for orchid vendors that deal in Phalaenopsis and/or Phalaenopsis that are great for beginners, any one of us here on the OB are more than capable of steering you in the right direction.

[amdrum09]

sure! where are some good places to get an orchid that will be in good condition and hopefully wont die as quickly.. the one I had was sitting on my entertainment center OUT of direct sunlight but was still able to get sun. I live in Hickory, NC so anywhere around here to get a new one would be awesome! Thanks Phillip!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Maybe Ironwood Orchids in Hickory, NC would be a good choice - (Ironwood Estate Orchids).

Ok, I don't know how far away you are from them, but you could also try Carolina Orchids in Fort Mill, South Carolina (Carolina Orchids | Carolina Orchids Sales and Articles).

You could also try Seagrove Orchids in Seagrove, NC - (Seagrove Orchids - Home Page).

Perhaps Atlantic Avenue Orchid & Garden in Raleigh, NC - (http://www.atlanticavenuegarden.com).

There's also The Orchid Trail in Morrisville, NC - (The Orchid Trail, Orchids and Mature Hybrids For Sale). With these guys, when you call them, just leave a message, they will get back to you. I've bought from them before.

These should get you started. If you're looking for other places, or if you don't mind shopping online, there are far more other choices.

If you're looking for Phalaenopsis that are very easy to grow, from what I've seen, the following Phal species are the easiest:

Phalaenopsis (Doritis) pulcherrhima

Phalaenopsis equestris
Phalaenopsis sanderiana
Phalaenopsis philippinensis
Phalaenopsis schilleriana
Phalaenopsis stuartiana

The following natural hybrid/primary hybrid is by far the easiest to grow:

Phalaenopsis x leucorrhoda (or sometimes written as either Phalaenopsis leucorrhoda or Phalaenopsis Leucorrhoda)

[The Orchid Boy]

Or if you want to order online, here are some trusted and excellent sources...

Big Leaf Orchids- They specialize in phalaenopsis and have other hybrids and colors that no one else has.

Orchids by Hausermann- They have a lot of great phals in different colors and patterns.

Mid-Pacific Orchids- Run by Randy Tajima out of Hawaii. He is a smaller grower but has great plants for good prices.

[amdrum09]

what would be the lepoard-ish print one? like the petal is a solid color with spots of another color? lol im not sure if thats a good description of what i would like..

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

You mean, Phalaenopsis stuartiana - (http://www.orchidspecies.com/phalstuartiana.htm)?

If it is, it's pretty easy to grow.

[amdrum09]

OMG I LOVE that one!! so pretty!!!!! do they have other colors in them? like a pink-ish?
yes that's over all what I'm looking for!!! Is it a good beginner orchid? I noticed you said it was "pretty easy to grow"

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Here's another photo of Phal stuartiana:

Phalaenopsis stuartiana | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I know they come in a yellow form. I'm not too sure if they come in a form with a light pink blush, it looks like they might.

I know that Phalaenopsis sanderiana does.

http://www.dustindorton.com/orchids2...s/DSC_0073.jpg

Yes, I would consider both Phalaenopsis sanderiana and Phalaenopsis stuartiana to be excellent beginners Phals.

Another Phal I could recommend is Phalaenopsis lindenii. It's got the mottled leaves. It's a much smaller plant. It is just as easy as Phal sanderiana or Phal stuartiana. They produce a good number of flowers per spike. They're unique and somewhat uncommon in the trade. They also have hot pink markings.

IOSPE PHOTOS

http://www.phals.net/lindenii/2005/05ph0058.jpg