Is this normal for a phalaenopsis ??

[hernandezanamile]

Hello,
I am new to owning an orchid and I have tried to take care of my plant as much as possible through the instructions given to me. But when I received my orchid 2 weeks ago it had beautiful blooms. But now they are dying. Does anyone know what I did wrong?? Please help I don't want my orchid to completely die.
Thank you!

[Emmaus]

I'm not the most experienced grower, but I'll try to help. A few things to check:

1.) Are the roots plump and green? If they are, they are great!
2.)Are the leaves yellowing/turning orange? Dark green? phalaenopsis's don't like a lot of direct light, so make sure the leaves are a healthy green.
3.) Do you keep it fairly moist without letting it dry between watering's? That particular type of orchid doesn't like to get completely dry between waterings.

See what other tips people give you, but it may just be that the blooms are nearing their end. Also, it might help to post a picture too.

[wintergirl]

Welcome to OrchidBoard. Blooms only last so long and eventually wilt. There are a couple of things that can hasten the wilting. Just the change in environment can affect your flowers, also if they are exposed to ripening fruit or air fresheners. Phals do not like direct sunlight and if you kept your plant directly in front of the window, that can be a problem too. Here is a thread about taking care of Phals. You might want to check it out.

The Phal abuse ends here.

[gngrhill]

I think Wintergirl has the right idea. I think it's just the end of the blooming period for that plant. Changing it's environment may have hastened the end, however the plant appears health enough and should rebloom for you in the future as long as you take advice as far as culture for this kind of plant. Moist but not wet, no direct sun, etc. good luck with your new 'chid.

[tarev]

Agree with wintergirl too.

[lotis146]

I also agree with Wintergirl. I will have to respectfully disagree a little with Emmaus in that an otherwise healthy Phal can handle a little drying out. Not a lot & not for a long time but they're not as thirsty as say Oncidiums. I've had many plants survive not being watered for a month and longer, mind you they did suffer from this degree of drying out but they survived. My point just being that they can handle a little drying out between waterings & you could argue that some even benefit from it.