Hello, first post from a new memeber - Orchid Board

karentroyer13 · #1 08-16-2010, 02:14 AM

Hi! This is the first time I have posted anything on this forum or any forum for that matter. I am new at orchids also, I have two, one is a moth (I think) and the other is a sharry baby. The blooms are gone on my moth and it looks like one spike died, it turned brown and dry. I cut it off and I have another green spike. The leaves look ok but there are some small ones in the middle and they look like they have white powder on them.
My sharry baby has two spikes with blooms but they are dropping daily. I chose that one because I think it has two more spikes that I was hoping would break out into buds and bloom. As you can see I am a baby beginner, beginner, beginner. Oh I forgot to tell you where my plants are in my house, they are in the bathroom, I thought they would get more humidity there.
They are setting on the edges of my garden tub and pretty close to the toilet and under a large east window.
Thank you very much, I am hoping I can learn from the OB and get my plants to prosper (My husband wanted me to throw them away).

WhiteRabbit · #2 08-16-2010, 03:50 AM

Hi Karen - glad you found us!
Your Sharry Baby may just be at the end of it's blooming ...
I bet the wise and helpful OB members can help with any problems or questions you may have -
post pix if you at all can, it's very helpful

and we love to see pix when there are no problems too!

RosieC · #3 08-16-2010, 06:05 AM

Welcome to Orchid Board Karen

I agree with WhiteRabbit that your sharrybaby is probably just done blooming. Mine had a spike when I bought it in June and is now growing a lot of side spikes (which I think is very normal on these). I'm hoping it will flower soon but is taking a while to get ready, so don't be suprised if yours is the same.

I'm going to move your post to the 'Introductions' area as you'll probably get more welcomes there.

CTB · #4 08-16-2010, 06:26 AM

Welcome to the Orchid Board! Enjoy! you will get lots of help. Sounds like you have mealy bugs , the white cotton stuff. Use Q-tips and alcohol and wipe it all off, under leaves and stems too. Keep them off. Check every few days and repeat. You may need to use Orthene with a little dish soap if you can't keep them off with Q-tips method. Well known pest for orchids and hard to get rid off. you probably need a small fan in bathroom for air current.

karentroyer13 · #5 08-16-2010, 04:20 PM

Thank you for the welcome and the tips. I will try them and then report back later. We live in Grove, OK and it has been so hot here (temps over 100 for about 3 weeks in a row) so we have planned a little vacation to Minnesota. I will report back after I get back. Thanks again, I think this is going to be a very rewarding experience with this Orchid Board. Thanks again to every one for being so nice and helpful!

MuscleGirl'sHobby · #6 08-16-2010, 07:53 PM

Welcome to Orchid Board, and enjoy your vacation!

Anything to get away from 100 degree temps... I melt at anything much past 90. lol

karentroyer13 · #7 08-17-2010, 10:40 AM

Thanks, I will enjoy, our daughter & husband and my two Grandsons, Henry (22 months) and Hudson (3 months) will be going. I plan to water my orchids just before I go and set them in a tub of water, just above the water line. I will be gone for about two weeks, I hope they will be ok. What do you do with your plants when you go on trips?

trdyl · #8 08-18-2010, 03:02 PM

Karen, Welcome to OB!

If you give them a good drenching right before you leave they should be fine as long as they are in a shaded location.

Becky Jo · #9 08-18-2010, 07:50 PM

Welcome to OB. You have come to the right place. People here are great and very helpful.