Yellowing stems

[Lachummers]

I had three of these and am now down to two. The first two I definitely killed with overwatering and water logging the roots.

But this one still has green roots, and nonetheless, the stems are turning yellow and the flowers are wilting.
The roots look a little overly wet. Could it be that the medium of moss is too tightly packed?

[WhiteRabbit]

It could be that the media is too wet. Spikes will die naturally, but usually don't start to yellow, or brown until after all the flowers have dropped.

How often do you water?

[Lachummers]

I waterbonly once every 10 days. The moss is tightly packed in a plastic cup that the store had it in. I cut holes to provide better aeration.

What can I do to prevent death at this point?

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Lachummers

I waterbonly once every 10 days. The moss is tightly packed in a plastic cup that the store had it in. I cut holes to provide better aeration.

What can I do to prevent death at this point?

If the roots and plant look good, you're only looking at loss of the blooms and spike right now - you can remove some of the moss, or repot completely. You can use a bamboo skewer in the media to better judge when to water and/or pot in a clear pot to be able to see the color of the roots

Skewer Method?

[Lachummers]

Thanks so much for the tips. I just would feel like such a failure if this turned into 3 for 3 loss. This was a gift of three orchids in a single pot. I kinda wonder if the store didn't pot them poorly by stuffing them tightly into the plastic cups which are insides the wood pot.

I will look into the bamboo method and the clear pot.

Do wood chips generally work better than moss?

[WhiteRabbit]

Many people prefer bark chips. The Sphagnum moss itself isn't bad, but easier to over water. Soak bark overnight before using to help moisten it up. New bark will dry quickly for a few weeks, so will need more frequent watering for a bit. Will retain moisture somewhat longer after it's aged a bit.

Since I started using skewers I have been able to grow in either bark or sphag - the skewers really are that helpful. I also like to tuck a couple of styrofoam packing peanuts in the center of the root mass - helps the media dry more evenly, and makes a nice air pocket for the roots.

It took me a few years before I was able to not kill Phals quickly. If you struggle with them, don't let it stop you from trying some different types of orchids. My first orchid was a Catt alliance intergeneric hybrid ... took a few years to get it to bloom again, but it didn't die! I had early success, both growing and blooming, an Oncidium and Cymbidium (good climate here for Cyms). Dendrobiums (phal type) are also a good choice to try. Small Cattleya hybrids (mini Catts) are another ...

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

All that moss in the decorative pot may be retaining too much moisture.

If the functional pot also contains moss, then I'd recommend removing the moss and changing it out to bark.

Old inflorescences can die back once they are finished blooming.