Sarah:
I think you need to READ CAREFULLY the advice you are receiving.
The picture you posted recently indicates a plant that is dead or near-dead. I would toss it. Victim of too much water & water remaining on the leaves.
First: The pots that both of these plants are potted in are attractive - but bad choices for orchids. Use them for something like a peace lily or calla lily that likes wet roots.
Examples of some good orchid pots:
Slotted Clear Orchid Pot - 6"
http://www.browardorchidsupply.com/i...yOrchidPot.jpg
Wholesale Pottery, Orchid Pots, Small Pots, ORCHID SERIES B
Note all the holes in the pots. This gives good drainage. My favorite is the terracotta type. Yes, I see in your photo that you have a plastic pot (maybe like the plastic orchid pot in the first link, above) down in the decorative pot, but if the decorative pot blocks the drainage holes, the pot will not drain properly or allow air to get to the roots.
Second: You are using a good, chunky bark to grow you orchids in.
GOOD! Keep doing that. Unless you live in an arid climate, or are highly experienced with growing orchids in Sphagnum moss, moss remains too wet and kills Phalaenopsis.
Third: How are you watering, and how often? Recommendation: Water thoroughly, once a week, in the sink, water flowing through the bark and the pot. Make a little label that says
"water me Thursday" and put the label with the pot, in case you are tempted to water on the other days of the week.
Make sure no water stays on the leaves or in the crown. If the plant seems too dry after you have been doing this for a month or two, change the label to
"Water me Monday and Thursday".
Fourth: Are you mist ing the plant/leaves? If your answer is no -
GOOD! If your answer is yes -
stop misting.
Fifth: Light - bright shade, this is one plant that may be totally fine in a well-lit office, but if it gets natural light, no direct sun.
Sixth: Skip the extras, such as fertilizer, Superthive, seaweed, hormones, cinnamon, Physan, etc. etc. etc. until you have got the
basics mastered
(proper drainage and water; proper light). I have been growing orchids since 1982, and I have a few plants that are 29 years old. I have never purchased Physan or Superthrive. I do use fertilizer - but
sparingly (use a little once you know the plant is doing well otherwise; maybe 6 months from now).
So, summing up the advice:
1. Good drainage (proper pot, keep using the bark)
2. Water thoroughly, but not too often, leaves and crown dry afterward, no mist ing
3. Proper light-bright shade
4. Avoid the "extras" for now; focus on the basics
Finally, about 8 times in this thread, people have recommended reading
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html Have you read this thread yet? If not,
please read.
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