How to tell if Phal is wilting or simply finished flowering?

[lookxitsxlauren]

I'm new to this forum, so hello! I've always loved orchids, and I have a green thumb with pretty much any plant I've ever cared for, but the first phal I got, I killed within two months. I think that one was from over-watering. My boyfriend got me a Phal for Valentine's day, and I'm determined not to let this one die.

The orchid has five leaves, only three big ones though, the other two are rather small. They're a medium green color. The area where the leaves meet eachother has a slight red tint. The flowering stem is dark green-brown, about 12'' tall, and it has 9 flowers. It was beautiful when I got it. All but three or four of the flowers are wilting now, and I've only had it for a couple days. I have no idea how long the orchid has been in bloom, so it could just be done flowering. But of course I'm completely paranoid that I'm already killing my orchid.

Oh, its pot is a clear plastic container with a drainage hole in the bottom. I can see a lot of fleshy bright green roots through the plastic. And, lastly, there's a small amount of condensation on the inside of the plastic pot, so I'm guessing it's not too dry.

So, how do I know if it's done flowering, or if I'm doing something wrong?

Sorry this post was so long, I was trying to be specific... But it mostly just looks long winded

Thanks in advance!
-Lauren

[Bud]

Welcome and Hello ! Sit back, relax and read postings from some of our members where you can learn precious knowledge on how to care for your orchids based on their wealth of experience...

read some of the posts in this thread:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html

[lookxitsxlauren]

Thank you

[Bud]

especially the part where silken writes her advice to 3mily90...that is very informative, precise and concise...very helpful to new Phal growers

[lookxitsxlauren]

I looked at a lot of that stuff before I posted this specific question. There's still a lotttttt to look at though! I just wanna keep this plant in bloom as long as I can. I'm not sure if it's done flowering or if I'm doing something wrong. Everything seems right. So I was wondering if there's any specific way to tell if it's simply done flowering?

[Bud]

if its done flowering the blooms will wilt and wither...but do not cut the spike. some blooms might still come out of that spike that is still green...you have to discover your own watering regimen and fertilizer...depends on the growing zone you are in, what window it is facing( east or south?) and the humidity indoors...moisture inside the pot is good...when you see it dry its time to water it...make sure to use a paper towel to dry the crown...you dont want root rot

[lookxitsxlauren]

Oh goodness. Okay. Ready for all my questions? I live in Alabama, so it's pretty humid here. I also have a lot of reptiles that need humidity in my room so I can put the Phal by one of their tanks. That might help. But I might just do the rock/pebble water thing under the pot. Since only some of the flowers are wilting, and not all of them, I guess they've just run their course. For the last couple of days, the Phal has been in my kitchen with no window. It's better to put it in an east-facing window, right? I'll do that in the morning. There's a fan I keep on in my room, so it will have good air flow.

I don't know what kind of media it's planted in. I dont know what the different kinds look like. I suppose I'll look up pictures to determine which type this little guy came with.

[Bud]

use fan only if you watered it; maybe a couple of hours...if its in a greenhouse then fans has to be 24/7...24/7 fan is kinda weird indoors where you have airconditioning or central heat flowing...

take a picture of the media mix...btw...pictures of your plant would be nice...take pics then click on "go advanced" and follow the instructions

on the thread I gave you skip to page 26 thru 29 ...thats where I find it very informative for you
and if you have time you just gotta read all of it

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome
Just a tidbit of info: when your roots are green, do not water. When the roots are silver/white it's time to water.
Joann

[lookxitsxlauren]

Hmm my fan is always on in my room. I can't stand it when it's not. And my windows are west and north windows. So it looks like this little orchid will be finding another room. I'm going to take pictures when my mom gets home with the camera.

Thanks for the root color info. I've read that before somewhere else too, so I didn't water it. I'm glad to have it confirmed though :b