Dendrobium phalaenopisi var. compactum

[DMFLEIG]

This is my second try at orchid growing. i received a Den. phalaenopis var. compactum and all of the blooms turned papery and fell off. Since the humidity was okay( per a bunch of books) and the temp. was good, I am lost as to what happened and what to do now. I also received a oncidium, Sharry Baby. It seems okay but the flowers are now beginning to fall as well. I check the medium with a moisture meter and have not over watered them. I got them from an orchid only greenhouse/nursery and those are the names listed on their tags. Any information would be great. Again, I have very little experience with growing orchids.
Thank you, in advance,

Dee

[WhiteRabbit]

Glad you found us!

Blooms may have just been finished. That said, premature bloom wilt can be caused by hot or cold drafts, sudden change in temps, excess heat or cold.

[DMFLEIG]

Thank you. I was really woried when I got these. I have great uck with ferns and succulents but I was never able to keep orchids alive. Most of the books are very well written but are a bit scientific. I have questions that I cannot find a simple answer to using those books. Any suggestions for an informative but user friendly book?

[WhiteRabbit]

Orchids for Dummies is a decent one. I have also been going thru "the Orchid Whisperer", but not too far in yet. I met the author earlier this year (why I got the book). He knows his stuff, and book is written towards new growers, I just haven't read enough to say yet. Others may have other suggestions.


I've probably learned the most here