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kristina_bell68

I just need some educating on what I'm doing wrong!

10 years ago

Hello! So, Orchids have always been my favorite flower! I received one about 2 years ago and it was already bloomed, eventually the flowers fell off then the stalks died and after about 6 months it never re bloomed but was still growing new leaves, I figured I'd wait and see what happened so I kept it, and got another one...same thing happened, then a mini one..same thing, about 3 weeks ago I repotted them thinking maybe they didn't have room because they were in the original store pots we purchased from, and I also moved them to a window where they only get direct light in the morning. Turns out it was too much and you could see the leaves were burnt slightly and we're becoming very limp, what am I doing wrong??? I just want re bloomed flowers! I now moved them to my kitchen table where they get no direct sunlight (back at square one) any advice?

Comments (5)

  • 10 years ago

    Hi Kristina, welcome to orchids.

    It would be helpful to know what type of orchid you are growing. I'm guessing the plants are Phals but a photo would be helpful. Also, it is important to know where you are growing. What zone, Country, State?

    If you can provide a picture of the plants, we could give you information.

    I'm guessing, you are growing Phalaenopsis orchids. I will provide a link to the American Orchid Society with photos and basic culture to get you started.

    If your plants do not look like the photos, post a picture for us.

    Thanks,

    Jane


    AOS Phalaenopsis Culture

    Kristina Herbst thanked jane__ny
  • 10 years ago

    They look similar to what mine are! I will post pics! Ithe may sound horrible but I don't know what kind on Windows I have! Haha I re potted them I'm bark though! And I will do the water process 1 time a week, from the picture does it seem like an ought light?

    these are from today and you can see how unhappy they are and I just moved them to the table I feel like I can't win! Also what makes the stalks re grow?

  • 10 years ago

    I live in PA

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Most Phalaenopsis begin to grow new flowering spikes in late Autumn/early winter and the flowers start to open about 110 days later so there is a peak flowering in spring. The flowers should last 2 to 3 months in good conditions. Once the flowers start to die cut the flowering stem off at the base and with good growing conditions the annual cycle should repeat. The trigger for new flowering spikes is a slight temperature drop.

    Look at the leaves. They tell the story.

    Large leaves to gather available light...says somewhat dim light where they are growing in nature.

    Large thick leaves that store water....says the plant is not growing in a tropical mist forest.

    Phalaenopsis Temperature range about 60 to 90F

    What sort of Fertilizer are you using?

    I'm just about to water my small collection by taking them to the sink. They spend the year in this room because outside in zone 10b is a death zone. Too hot in summer. Too cold in winter. Extreme UV most of the year.

    Read the other Phalaenopsis threads and if still puzzled, ask more questions.

    Added via edit. Should have added under to "Look at the leaves."

    Flaccid leaves are a sign of root problems, perhaps overwatering or not good drainage.


    Kristina Herbst thanked arthurm2015
  • 10 years ago

    Echoing what arthur said:

    1) cut the stems off

    2) when you water them, use an orchid fertilizer (can be found at Home Depot or Lowes) and soak them in the sink for 10 mins

    3) in the summer, put them outside in bright, indirect light if possible

    4) to get them to spike flowers you will need a consistent temperature drop of 20 degrees - I usually get this by keeping my plants outside until temps dip into the 50s (as the low) in the early autumn

    Kristina Herbst thanked suzabanana (6b Boston/N. Shore)
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