Expert: Wayne King - 6/4/2009

Question
hi, i was given a phalaenopsis orchid for mothers day this year, and it was doing wonderfully, but 2 days ago it started to wilt and now some of the flowers have fallen off. i have done everything it says on the card and don,t know how to bring it back. can you please help?????
thanks
  nicki

Answer
Nicki, basically, the phalaenopsis orchid consists of three parts: flower spike and any attached buds or flowers, leaves, and, roots.  If the flowers are starting to wilt and fall off that could be due to the normal end of a flowering cycle. Often, when a plant is obtained in flower, it is unknown how long a particulat plant has been in flower. A phalaenopsis flower normally stays om the plant about three weeks.  So, it is likely that this plant was in flower about a week before you received it. Phalaenopsis flowers are held on a flower spike.  The  flower spike may remain green after flowering or may turn brown.  If it remains green you should cut it off above a node (ie joint).  It may rebloom from that node.  If the old spike turns brown, it may be cut off completely.  Normally, phalaenopsis orchids bloom once per year-- but there are exceptions.

If the leaves are starting wilt, that is bad news and suggests a problem with root rot. Whether or not the leaves are wilting, you should repot you plant annually after flowering.  In repotting, you will need to be prepared with some orchid potting mix (just any plant potting soil will not do) and a plastic pot of proper size with lots of drainage holes in the bottom.  In repotting, remove the plant from its pot and discard the old potting mix.  Rinse the root with room temperature water and examine the roots.  Any roots that have collapsed or are mushy should be removed before repotting.  Healthy roots are firm and turn green when wet.  Place the healthy roots down into the pot-- rotating the pot while lowering until all or most of the roots are down in the pot.  Then add orchid potting mix, tapping the side of the pot to settle the mix amongst the roots. You may resume weekly watering. Do not let the pot stand in the water.  These plants prefer an east window sill where they can get morning sun