First (Moth) Orchid- Wilting Flowers/Yellow roots?

[Elphy]

I just bought my first orchid ever, two days ago.I got a moth orchid because I read they were easier.

Yesterday, I noticed one of her flowers started closing up. I wasn't sure if that meant she was thirsty, but her potting material seemed very dry so I gave her 3 ice cubes. (I've since realized that was stupid and will be watering her in the sink and letting her dry out from now on.

This morning, I noticed she hasn't perked up at all. :-(

I pulled her container out of the decorative pot and her and her medium came out too! Most of it was still very dry and the rest slightly damp. I pulled it all out and repotting her back in her pot, but her roots at the base were yellowish, is that normal?

I'm not sure if I have a problem or if any of this is normal, since it's my first orchid and but I want her to be happy.

I was thinking about going to the store today to get her some fresh orchid potting mix.

Any and all advice and thoughts are grealty appreciated.

[hbozeman]

Any change in envorinment can cause flowers to drop. Not a big issue as long as your growing area is OK. I guessing the potting material is bark chunks, and that will require more frequent watering than in sphag. moss. Roots look good to me, actively growing. If after blooming is over you decide to repot in bark mix, be sure to soak the medium in water until it is thorougly soaked. Looks like you are on your way to addiction...Good growing.

[Elphy]

Oh my gosh, thank you!
I don't know anyone who has successfully had an orchid and I'm just trying to suck up all the advice and knowledge I can get. That being said, I have no one to turn to if things come up and I don't know what it means!

She is in a bark mix in a plastic container, inside a decorative pot. I also made a humidity tray that she sits on. And I have her in the corner of a south and west facing window, set a little back from the south window to avoid too much direct light.
I really love plants and I've always wanted to learn how to care for orchids. Im so nervous about her.
Thank you so much, I'm going to stop poking and fussing over her and just stalk all of these forums :-P and I'll wait unail her bloom is over to repot her.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Welcome to the forum. Well it seems you are going to have to re-pot now any way as all the bark fell out. I think and it's just my 2 cents worth, is go get new orchid bark soak it and re-pot. If the buds blast and I know it's hard to let it happen but it just may be to late any way. I'm not picking on you so I hope it doesn't sound like that.

But it is already out of the pot so seems like a good time to me. The roots look good to me as well, and it's very pretty and when you go to get the orchid bark you may as well go and get yourself another orchid so she won't be lonesome.

And don't forget to read the sticky at the top The Phal abuse ends here.

[Elphy]

Originally Posted by No-Pro-mwa

Welcome to the forum. Well it seems you are going to have to re-pot now any way as all the bark fell out. I think and it's just my 2 cents worth, is go get new orchid bark soak it and re-pot. If the buds blast and I know it's hard to let it happen but it just may be to late any way. I'm not picking on you so I hope it doesn't sound like that.

But it is already out of the pot so seems like a good time to me. The roots look good to me as well, and it's very pretty and when you go to get the orchid bark you may as well go and get yourself another orchid so she won't be lonesome.

And don't forget to read the sticky at the top The Phal abuse ends here.

Thank you!
I don't have any potting material for orchids at home, so I reused her old stuff to get her back in her home for the time being. I was scared to leave her out until I got to the store. =-( I will be at the store later and will definitely get some. Do you think it's safe to repot her again? I don't want to traumatize her too much, but I also want her enviornment to be best for her.

I will run to read that sticky right now!

And you don't sound like you're picking on me. =-P
I really would love (and greatly appreciate) any and all advice from any experienced orchid owner. =-)

[wintergirl]

Yes, I would repot again when you get new media.

I buy the Miracle Grow bark mix for orchids and it is working well. You really didn't need to soak it, I find it is better when you don't. Pick out the big pieces, hold the plant above your pot in place (the same height that it was). Then put the bark in, all around where the orchid is tight in the pot. Do not use the fine particles, only the bigger pieces of bark. Wait one day, then soak/water the plant.

Here are some watering/care suggestions:
Just water the plant at the root level. You can soak the entire pot, then let the water run out. Try not to get water into the stem or the base of the plant. If you do wipe out with a paper towel. Watch the roots, especially the ones inside the container. When they are silver/whitish they are dry, after watering they plump and turn green. Let them dry out to silver again before re-watering. If you are unsure, wait one more day. Sometimes I don't water for 2 weeks, depending on conditions. Also it is best to water in morning so it will dry some before night. Phals like indirect light, so if your spot is too sunny pull it back or use a sheer curtain.

[Elphy]

Thank you so much, everyone, for your help and advice!! It's super appreciated! I got new mix (Better-Gro Phal Mix) and have repotted her in it and gave her water. Her roots look happier. I'm worried about Bud Blast, but as it was pointed out, I can't do anything about it.
This website is amazing. I'll be spending many nights reading posts and learning. :-)

Thank you again for your help and kindness!

[Elphy]

A pic :-)

[wintergirl]

Pretty, I have one very much like yours. By the way, phals usually don't need humidity trays in the normal house environment.