Phalenopsis not doing well; buds fell off, stem changing color.

[SunBear]

I have had my orchid for a few weeks now, and I give him three ice cubes every Tueday, he's pretty much dry by that point. The flowers looked great for a few days, and then the buds shriveled up and fell off and the flowers soon followed suit. The leaves still look healthy, and the roots look okay, but on parts of the spike (it has two coming off of the main stem) are turning reddish in some spots. There are no new buds either.

The plant is about two feet away from a window, getting partial sunlight most of the day- but it's been gray here lately. I haven't repotted him. I don't know what to do... I don't want to loose that beautiful plant.

[pedidiva]

you need to repot & check the roots. Loads of good info on the beginner forum about Phals. Your plant is probably dry--it needs to be watered when the medium is dry. I would repot, look at the roots, trim off the dead ones, water, Youtube has some nice orchid vids from the American Orchid Society.

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome to the OB.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html
This thread was designed for beginners and has a ton of info, however please feel free to post any questions you have.
Joann

[Val]

Originally Posted by SunBear

I give him three ice cubes every Tueday

Huge mistake. Water should be at room temperature, cause the roots like warmth. Cold water is to be avoided - and ice is out of the question.

Watch the roots and water when they have turned from green (wet roots) to silvery/greenish white (dry roots).

[SunBear]

The link was extremely helpful! I have a new pot with bark ready for the orchid.

I had no idea ice was a bad idea, I was just following the little instructions that came with it. And my grandpa has had luck with his orchid with ice.

Thanks everyone!

[Zoi2]

I'm glad you found some useful info from the link.
Depending on location and culture some people have had good luck with the ice cubes, most of us have not. The same goes with growing in moss--I cannot do anything with it other than rot roots, but some swear by it.
Have fun experimenting with your culture methods and enjoy the orchid hobby.
Joann

[SunBear]

Yikes, I removed him from the moss today- and it seems that may have been the culprit, it seems damp and the roots seem soggy and squishy, seems I won't be using moss either. Hopefully the bark does better.

[Zoi2]

That's one of the problems with moss, it doesn't always dry out if its packed tight. Your phal should do fine in the bark.
Joann