Is this orchid in a pot that drains the water as you water it or does it store the water? Sometimes people who buy plants for decoration do not realize that some require much different care. Orchids do not like "wet feet"; meaning..they do not like having their roots sitting in water. I understand that this plant is at your restaurant and you probably can't take it out of the pot to inspect the roots, so to start out, check the pot. The restaurant might have put it in a regular pot that doesnt allow drainage.
Another thing is that whoever bought the orchid, probably didn't repot it in fresh media. ALOT of orchid growers repot an orchid after purchasing it because many places that sell orchids either pack the media down too much, or have had the plant for a while so the media might be deteriorating or housing bacteria.
Orchids only like to be watered usually once a week depending on what type of potting mix it is in. It is time to water when you feel the potting mix with your finger, and it is not soggy but just a little damp. Too much water can kill an orchid. So, if i were you, Id hold off on watering it for a few days since youve already watered it twice.
Make sure it is getting sunlight. They need sunlight (or artificial lighting) to survive. However, they can not tolerate direct sunlight. Usually sunlight coming through a sheer curtain or blind is great.
So..to make things more simple, these are some quick suggestions:
1. Hold off on watering it for a few days (I don't think being thirsty is the problem).
2. Look to see that when you are watering it, the water isn't gathering at the bottom of the pot with the roots, see if its draining from somewhere. If it isnt than this is probably rotting the roots and the plant is getting "too" much water.
3. Be careful when cutting things off of the plant. And do not cut the leaves! Orchids are sensitive to getting infections through unsterilized utensils. So, by cutting with a regular pair of sizzors that haven't just been washed with soap or alcohol, might create other problems. And if you cut something off near where there is probably healthy growth, it is good to use regular ground cinnamon that you buy from the grocery store to sprinkle on the wound. Cinnamon helps to eliminate some bacteria that may create an infection later on.
4. If it is still blooming with flowers, than all hope might not be lost, so possibly consider whether it is getting enough sun or whether its getting too much sun.
5. If the orchid is potted with a soft moss-like mix (and if youre able to do this while at the restaurant) take your fingers and gently fluff the moss by picking some up and just setting it back down in the pot. ***Considering we dont know how long it been in this potting mix, and how many times its been watered, the mix is probably very compacted and smothering the roots. This actually might help some of your root problems.
6. Make sure the plant is not anywhere near an air vent that is blowing cold or hot air. They need moderate temps. and too much of hot/cold can kill the orchid. ~But it is good to have it where theres good air circulation. Either a window open with a little breeze or a tiny fan. **This will help the roots too since you can't repot it. This will allow air to circulate around the roots to prevent anymore roots from rotting.
With orchids..its all about the roots. The plant is only as healthy as its roots. So, if there is any way that you could ask someone if you could take it home to care for it and repot it, than that would be the plant's best bet.
If you decide to repot it, let me know. I have this great website I found that shows you step-by-step pictures on how to repot. And its so simple. It also shows you how to handle rotted roots and how to properly cut them!
Let me know~! And goodluck!!! I hope this helped you out some. Im so happy that you care about this plant!
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~ Christina~  |