ID & Advice For New Orchid ?

[thblue]

Hi,

I'm a complete novice so please excuse any simple questions. I was given an orchid (which ive included a picture of) & would like to know if anyone could tell me what type of orchid it is so that I can look into how to care for it properly. Any advice on how to care for it would be appreciated also. I'm aware that the blue colour is a dye but other than that I really know nothing about it.

Thanks

thblue

[Ray]

It is a white phalaenopsis hybrid.

[estación seca]

Welcome! There is a sticky thread on how to take care of these in the Beginners forum. In the left menu click on Forums, then Beginners. Look for The Phal Abuse Ends Here.

[jkofferdahl]

It's a white Phalaenopsis which has been colored with blue dye, often done as a marketing ploy. When it blooms again you'll get normal flowers. Take a look at the posts Estacion Seca refers to and you should do fine.

[thblue]

Thank you for the replies, I will be sure to have a read through the thread mentioned. I have noticed that part of the stem is split, there is a small hole through which the dye in the plant can be seen (I've included a picture). Is there anything I can do about this?

thblue

[rbarata]

Welcome to the board, thblue.

I have noticed that part of the stem is split, there is a small hole through which the dye in the plant can be seen (I've included a picture). Is there anything I can do about this?

I wouldn't do anything. The spike is green. The genera (phalaenopsis) have the ability to grow new flowers (or new plants called keikis) from the old spikes, obviously if they are alive.
In spite of that "wound", you may be presented with such a gift.

If your problem is related with appearance, well... maybe you can hide it somehow...or cut the spike but then you'll lose the possibility to get some more flowers.

[thblue]

Thanks for the reply. I was just concerned incase it would cause any problems. If it should be ok then I will just leave it as it is and continue to care for it properly

thblue.

[thblue]

Hello,

I'm looking for some advice if anyone can help. Please excuse me for any simple questions, I'm a complete novice. I think my orchid has began dying, it has lost its leaves & its flowers are very withered (I've included a picture). What should I do to encourage it to re-bloom/re-grow? Not sure if this is the right place for this post, though I thought best to post the question here as it is related to the same orchid. Thanks.

thblue

[jkofferdahl]

I'm sorry, but I think your plant is dead.

[jcec1]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

I'm sorry, but I think your plant is dead.

I agree, there could be many reasons for this, under/over watering, too cold, getting water into the crown. These orchids are not deciduous, so old leaves may eventually drop off after several years, but not as rapidly as yours has.

It's too late to guess why it died, but in the beginning most orchid growers manage to kill a few. So don't despair get another and try again if you want.