Brief flowers on my phalaenopsis

[Syrinth]

Hello, I have a problem that I was wondering if you could all help me with.

One of my orchids that I received from my work just bloomed, and by bloomed I mean formed a single bud on the end of a spent cane that flowered. It was in bloom for two weeks, maybe three before dropping.

Additionally, I received an orchid in full bloom several months ago, and I had it for only about two-three weeks before the flowers dropped off as well.

I was given to believe that phal blooms lasted for months... what am I doing wrong?

[Zoi2]

What are they potted in and how often are you watering?
Joann

[Syrinth]

Primarily bark, although some of them that I haven't repotted yet are in a mix of bark , perlite and big red clay balls.

Watering once every few days, when it feels dry.

[BobInBonita]

You mention that both orchids in question were received in bloom.

You may be doing everything right, but they may have been in bloom for some time before you received them.

If they came from a store, always check their roots first. Unknowing clerks are frequently guilty of orchicide by overwatering. The blooms will hang on for a while as the plant nears death. I ALWAYS look a gift orchid in the roots, and although "they" recommend not repotting until blooming is finished, I feel loss of blossoms is better than loss of roots.

Orchids are creatures of habit, in that change frequently upsets them. By simply bringing them home, you probably will shorten the length of bloom. If the roots look good, don't sweat it unless the next bloom is short - then it's fully under your conditions.

If the plant otherwise looks healthy, be happy and wait for the rebloom.

I used to over-react and expect results. Now I just try to be consistent and find they adapt and fare much better.

[Syrinth]

No, the second one had been in bloom but was spent which is why my work gave it to me. It then made a bud at my home and bloomed there, although I was forced to change rooms after it first bloomed now that I think about it...

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by Syrinth

No, the second one had been in bloom but was spent which is why my work gave it to me. It then made a bud at my home and bloomed there, although I was forced to change rooms after it first bloomed now that I think about it...

Touching on what Bob said before, change will upset these plants-- and blooms are often the first thing to go. I don't think you're doing anything wrong, but more info would be helpful-- such as how often you water, fertilize and the amount of light your plants get.

If you are successful in getting the plant to grwo new roots and leaves, I think you'll find that the blooms will last a lot long next time the plant blooms for you. Something else to remember are the genetics of the plant. Some of my phals will bloom seemingly non-stop, while others bless the house with a month or two and then its back to growing new leaves and roots.

Let the plants settle into their new home and try to keep the environment the same-- the only change being how you fertilize and the temps of the room (in an attempt to give the plant a natural beat to the seasons so it knows when to do its next thing).