Save my orchid!

[2ndhandsunshine]

Hi everyone! First off, thanks for everyone who sent in suggestions about the aphid infestation of my camellia plant. I took one advice and sprayed the plant under the tap and so far so good as far as aphids not returning is concerned. Now I come to you with a question about my orchid

Comments

[memnet]

Beautiful flowers! I'm not an expert, but from my own experience with phaleonopsis (also known as a moth orchid which in case you don't know, is what you have), if those roots that are sticking out are not plump but are shriveled up, your plant needs more hydration. I think you need to repot the orchid in a larger pot so it has room to grow (keep in mind that a clay pot will allow the orchid to go dry faster than a plastic pot), and use fresh orchid potting medium as the old stuff may be breaking down and should be replaced; there are many options for orchid growing medium. I made a mix of spagnum, perlite, spagnum peat, with some bark/charcoal mix thrown in and they seem to be very happy. Phaleonopsis orchids like to be a bit moist all the time but not sopping wet. I keep mine damp and not only are two of them in bloom, but they are also putting out more roots (nice, green plump roots) and two of them are sprouting new leaves. Phaleonopsis in general are not crazy about direct sun so I'd guess your take on the tinting reducing the intensity is correct. However, if it gets pretty warm up there near the windows, that could be a contributing factor in the shriveling, but from those shriveled roots I'm thinking it's a water/repotting thing. My understanding is that while the leaves may improve they are unlikely to return to their former appearance. No big, as the plant recovers it should make more leaves and phaleonopsis are tough little buggers; well, lol for orchids anyway. In answer to your fertilizer question it probably wouldn't hurt to start using fertilizer, but gently...I generally water my orchids with a weak solution, 1/4 tsp per gallon of water of Jack's Classic Orchid Special-30-10-10 (no doubt any 30-10-10 will do) and because it is so weak, I use it every time I water. Also, if you don't have one, you should get yourself a spray bottle and spray your orchid (avoid doing it when the sun is blasting in) or use a humidity tray, which would be a lot neater and more constant. A humidity tray is nothing more than a plate or other shallow container filled with pebbles or marbles, even fish tank gravel. You put water in the tray and the orchid sits on the gravel (above the water level, they don't like wet feet) or whatever you use (I use clay pebbles which are actually supposed to be good for potting some orchids). As the water evaporates, it raises the humidity around the orchid. You could get yourself a very pretty plate with a bit of deepness (just enough so you can put in a layer of the rocks/gravel of your choice) and for the gravel you could get those glass stones that are sold for putting in vases to hold flowers upright, so your humidity tray could be pretty. :)

Sorry, didn't mean to write a book; just trying to tell you everything I can remember about these guys. Really, I'm thinking new bigger pot with fresh potting medium and a bit more water (don't let it dry out completely) because clearly you've done really good with it up until now. Good luck.

[2ndhandsunshine]

Write as much as you want! Especially if it's as informative as what you've given me. Based on what you say, I think it might indeed be time to repot and replace the growing medium--I've noticed it doesn't seem to hold water very well anymore, which might account for the overdrying of the plant. This weekend, I'll definitely go out and replace both the pot and the potting medium as well as pick up a little orchid fertilizer to use from now on.

I love plants but unfortunately have never been much when it comes to growing or keeping them alive. Everyone has been duly impressed that this little orchid puts out as many flowers as it does. :)

Thank you so much for all your help!

[memnet]

You're welcome. :) I hope your orchid recovers well and makes some more of those flowers; they really are stunning.

[abalone99]

All of this helpful information has actually inspired ME to see if I might be able to get an orchid to work! My former roommates would try in our north/south facing apartment indoors, but they never seemed to last for long. I'm moving offices to one that gets a lot of light on one side directly from a window in the Pacific Northwest. Should I put it about 4-6' away from the window but in the spot that gets the sun (well...when we have it here anyway...)? Or should I put it on the shady side? Directly on the window sill??? Teach me your magical orchid ways! :D

Seriously, this was excellent. I knew about the misting, but all the other info was news to me and may be why they never had luck growing them. I would love to hear your recommendation for placements. I've always LOVED orchids and have always wanted to get one, but knowing how difficult they can be, I've never wanted to waste the money given how un-confident I was in being able to grow/keep them. This gives me so much giddy hope!!

[memnet]

Different species of orchids require different treatment so there isn't a magic bullet, lol. Phaleonopsis are the easiest and toughest of the orchids; they're also very readily available although I've noticed that Lowe's is stocking up on different types. I wish I had magic orchid ways but I struggle with the things myself; they stay alive but they don't always bloom. As I said above, phaleonopsis don't like to be blasted by sun; from what I've read, orchids in general don't care for a lot of direct sun although some types like it more than others. I once successfully grew a phaleonopsis in my bathroom which had a northeast exposure from only one window. It sat on the edge of my bathtub and was wildly happy. That orchid got bright light, but not direct light and tons of humidity. As I said above, I'm no expert but for a phaleonopsis I'd suggest putting it where it will get good light but not direct sun and make sure it has a lot of humidity, put it in a pot that drains well and fast, don't over water, but keep a phaleonopsis barely moist...maybe water once every 7 to 10 days (this depends a lot on how warm it is in your office); you have to play it by ear. Good luck. :)

[abalone99]

Ok, my birthday is coming up and after reading your responses I'm definitely adding it to my wishlist. :) I'm really excited to try this and will look for Phaleonopsis!