Phalaenopsis Orchid

[seshat]

Hi.

A few months ago I got given a Phalaenopsis Orchid as a present. However I would like a bit of advice please. It seems healthy although after the flowers had dropped I followed the instructions provided and cut the stems down to about 10 centimeters.

The care label said it would flower again but one of the stems has just gone brown and woody and the other stem has gone brown on the end. There are no signs of either new growth on the 2 stems or any new stems appearing. It has got a new leaf coming through so it must be OK.

Any advice on how to get more flowers????

Thank you :-)

[Buenchico]

Does anything here help?
http://apps.rhs.org.u.../Profile.aspx?pid=388

Chris

[sandy16]

It will flower again ,dont overwater just soak for about10 mins every 10days, leave it in the clear pot on a light window sill , the roots will then turn green .I salvaged my neices orchid for her in may (it was like a limp rag) just returned it to her today in full bloom

[seshat]

Thank you Chris, that was helpful.

I currently have the plant on a shelf which does get good sunlight but I think I will put it on the windowsill (east facingish!!!) and see what happens.

Thanks again :-)

[seshat]

Thanks Sandy.

I only water it every so often (every 1 or 2 weeks and just a little tepid water). When you say soak do you mean let it stand in water for 10 minutes?

Thanks again :-)

[mumsie_wumsie]

Hi, I have had my orchid since about april. It has just dropped the last flower, but before I could cut it back, a new stem has grown and it has nine buds, seven of which have already blossomed. I was wondering whether to cut back the stems that have finished or just leave it in case I 'kill' the new growth. I hope you have some luck with yours seshat, they are lovely plants. I have done all the bad things with mine, Have re-potted it in 'normal' compost, and it has thrived. So I am not going to offer any advice, just give yours some extra TLC....

[seshat]

Thank you mumsie wumsie, I am keeping my fingers crossed. I have done everything that has been suggested so far. The plant itself looks happy, just no flowers! I really hope it does get some more as they are a beautiful purple colour (my favourite colour!)

Thanks again :-)

[sandy16]

Yes i have a christmas pud plastic basin and i stand it in there with enough water to come to the top

[seshat]

Hi

Sorry if this appears to be a daft question but do you mean that the water comes to the top of the clear pot the plant is in?

Cheers! :-)

[rowanwitch]

If you have a friend with an aquarium scrounge the smelly dirty water that comes from the filter being cleaned use that to soak your orchid now and again... mine has put out 4 flowering stems this year and already has new stem buds forming

[seshat]

Wow, that's a funny one rowanwitch ha ha!

I have a friend who has fish so I will ask her.

At present the plant is sitting on the windowsill and the new leaf is growing nicely as well as the roots turning green, so this is a good start.

I have not tried to soak it in water yet as I only gave it a drink the same day as I posted my question and do not want to overwater it.

Hopefully it will get there in the end.

Thank you :-)

[sandy16]

yes thats what i do with mine,

[seshat]

I haven't seen my friend yet but I will ask her when I next see her.

Thanks :-)

[rowanwitch]

full of fish poo... perfect fertiliser