A photo would be great. Does it have wide flat leaves?

Hi,

Sounds like it may be a Phalaenopsis. The wilting flowers are normal. You've just gotten the plant near the end of its blooming. If it is indeed a Phalaenopsis (it may be a Dendrobium which is another popular orchid) and if the flower stalk stays green after the last flower has dropped off, you can cut it about half way from the top near a node (looks kinda like a stem coming out of another stem) and if the plant is robust enough it may branch and rebloom. The subsequent blooms will probably be smaller than the first set.

The strange stuff it's potted in is normal. This is a bark mixture which probably has perlite and charcoal mixed in with pieces of bark. The water will run right through so don't panic if this happens. Just let the lukewarm water run for a minute or so.

If it is a Phalaenopsis and not a Dendrobium, don't get water in the "crown" of the plant (where the new leaves come out). Phals are prone to crown rot. If you do accidently get water in there, take a piece of paper toweling, tissue, or even a Qtip and soak it up.

Phals are quite easy to grow. Eastern windows work best with regards to light. They can take a fairly wide range of temperatures and like a definite drop in temps at night to initiate blooming. Otherwise, they're like any other houseplant in their care (don't put them right under the A/C vents, etc.).

Home Depot or any book store has a good beginner's book called "Complete Guide to Orchids" or "All About Orchids". Both are by Ortho. Sunset also has a good beginner's orchid book "How to Grow Orchids".

Also, this forum has a number of interesting posts and the FAQS are well worth looking through.

Good luck and welcome to a wonderful hobby.

Penelope

If you can, tell us which of the following it look most similar to:

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LOL... at the posters

hmm... i guess this user never checked the board again?