Hi,

I got an orchid as a present few months ago. I was wondering if
somebody can help me identify what type of orchid is it. I have a
photo at

http://www.geocities.com/flower2004a/orchid_small.jpg

Also, I did not know I am not supposed to water it too much and it is
looking pretty miserable at the moment. All white flowers dried out
and fell off, one of the leaves turned yellow and some of the roots
seem rotten. The stems are green and look healthy, as well as most of
the roots (as far as I an see). Any ideas what should I do to save it?
Do I have to repot it? How often do orchid flower and for how long?
Any links to useful web sites are also appreciated!

Thank you!

You have a Phalaenopsis type orchid. I am assuming that the fruit in the
dish on the table is real; if so, that may have caused your flower drop
(there is another thread not far back that is titled toxic gases; you might
want to look at that for a discussion of ethylene). However, you don't say
when the flowers died; if it is recently, then perhaps it was simply time.
Another possibility (if they died early on) is the change in location.
Orchids don't particularly care for being moved from one environment to
another that might be quite different.

I note that you've placed the pot in a decorative container. Does the white
container provide for drainage? An orchid shouldn't be left in standing
water. What kind of medium is your Phal potted in?

As a general rule, Phals like to be kept moist, but not sopping. They like
fairly low light (a sunny east window with a curtain works) and a bit of
humidity. If you can tell us a bit about your growing conditions, we can be
of more help, I'm sure.

HTH

Diana

Thank you, Diana!

The flowers died recenly, within a two week period. When I took the
pot out of the decorative container I realised it was sitting in
water, so I presume that was the reason.

Now, a week later it seems fine. I checked on the other discussions,
it seems that I should prune it and it will flower again. Knowing what
type of orchid it is makes it so much easier to find relevant info on
the web.

Thanks again for the useful advice!


However, you don't say
when the flowers died; if it is recently, then perhaps it was simply time.
Another possibility (if they died early on) is the change in location.
Orchids don't particularly care for being moved from one environment to
another that might be quite different.

I note that you've placed the pot in a decorative container. Does the white
container provide for drainage? An orchid shouldn't be left in standing
water. What kind of medium is your Phal potted in?

As a general rule, Phals like to be kept moist, but not sopping. They like
fairly low light (a sunny east window with a curtain works) and a bit of
humidity. If you can tell us a bit about your growing conditions, we can be
of more help, I'm sure.

HTH

Diana

Thanks again for the useful advice!

And thank you for responding. Too often, after we dispense some
information, we don't hear a thing from the original poster, and we don't
know if we helped or not.

Diana