Hello
I am new here, actually I just need a little help with this orchid I was given to as a present some time ago. I do not consider myself a "grower".
The orchid I have is a Phalaenopsis. I recieved it while it was already flowering, and about 3 weeks ago, it started losing some of his flowers on both flower spikes, but only one of them started turning brown.
I am also wondering if it is
O.K not to use any fertilizer? I haven't done so during the ~2.5 months that I have it, doesn't seem to cause any problems. If I should use a fertilizer, which one would it be (ideally)?
Oh, can anyone also tell me the name of this orchid (like
Phalaenopsis xxx)?
I am not sure what to do, either cut it on it's base, cut after a node, or just let it stay as it is? What are the different result with each of these methods, and what should be taken in consideration?
Here are some pics to show you-
This is an overall picture of the orchid, showing the 2 flower spikes:
Here is the green spike, who has dropped some flowers but stopped dropping them, and stays green (how come there's a new "shoot"? is it normal?):
That is the "browning" spike, with which I am not sure what to do with:
As you see, it has developed another spike from the spike itself (Is it normal? I thought that only happened when cutting the spike under a node. "Keiko" thing maybe?). Maybe the spike will stop turning brown in that part? I am not sure weather to cut it or just not do anything.
I tend to think that the "clip" that holds the spike with the wooden stick caused it's drying out, because the other spike is green, and there seems to be a little wound under the clip (although, the other spike did lose some flowers at the same time as the browning one).
Here are some other pictures, I just want to be sure that my Phal is O.K!
This leaf has some white spots on it, which wash off when rubbing them with some water. I don't think that it is a pest infestation, but tell me your idea about it. Also, what about the slight dryness in the middle of the leaf, towards it's end?
This leaf was always yellow, with no change. I guess it's due to the pressure it takes, being sandwiched between the leaf and the "basket".
Finally, these are the visible roots. I water it once a week with low-chlorine water, it seems that the upper part of one of the roots is drying, Is that because he faces upwards maybe?
I won't mind any general care tips for my orchid..
Thanks for helping me out guys..I'm starting to understand why some people are so fascinated with orchids
