Hi there, need advice on how to treat a Phal that has been exposed to cold. It's probably not worth it, but I am a sucker for hard luck cases; rescue puppies, rescue orchids...
So it was obviously a rejected Valentine's Gift, I found it yesterday. A "just add ice" large Phal in full bloom still with tag and cellophane. Found it in a garbage can at lunch time - I work on a college campus). Of course I had to retrieve it. Outdoor temp in upper 30's. The leaves weren't frozen but the plant clearly hadn't been treated with care.
After 24 hours inside at room temperature... the leaves are limp and wrinkled, for the most part. Near the base of the plant they are OK and the plant has a healthy root system.
My questions:
- Should I cut back / remove the flower stems? (seems to me, YES, but just checking)
- Should I remove the most damaged leaves?
- How much light? I've read conflicting advice on this for cold damaged orchids?
- How much water? ditto, conflicting advice...
I have a little experience, with 5 other orchids, and 4 of the 5 are in flower right now. They seem to love my front room with east and south facing windows.