Im really worried about my new orchids. Its my first time having them. I ordered two of them off of ebay, which Im starting to think was a mistake.
Before he shipped them, he put the two orchids through some kind of drying out process for a week so they would not rot during shipping. They arrived bare root and pretty dry. I got them a little over a week ago. One is stated as being: Phalaenopsis I-Hsin Gold Coin
and the other is stated as: X419 Dendrobium Ammerron
Now the spike on the dendrobium looks like the teeny buds growing on it are starting to dry up. On the same plant, I have lost 4 bottom leaves since it arrived. They are turning yellow, drying and falling off.
The other orchid, the gold coin phal, seemed fine until today, when I noticed a bottom leaf is turning yellow. This plant only has about 6 leaves! I dont want to loose it! Can I stop it from loosing this leaf? What is going on??? Are they still too dry? THey are potted in orchid bark and planted in orchid pots (the kind with holes in the side) and I water them about every other day until I see water run into the saucer at the bottom. There is never any standing water.
Its in a room that stays about 60 with kind of low light. Ive been trying to keep the bedroom light on and the window shade open for them, but I dont really know if its enough or not.
Im really worried. I dont want to loose anymore leaves....and Im dissapointed about the spike. I was looking forward to some flowers but I dont think that is gonna happen.
Also, I have been watering with room temperature water, as suggested by a friend. Other people have mentioned misting with water to help with humidity ( I did that today) and also some people have told me they think its not enough light or its too cold. I have only had them a little over a week. I didnt think that was enough time for something like light or humidity to take a toll on it, but obviously I dont know much about this at all.
I live in VA, so it gets pretty cool here. I can move the orchids upstairs in the plant room so that they can have more light. I only have a north facing window up there. I dont have any south facing windows (as suggested by a friend also.) What kind of light is best? It may be cooler upstairs, in the 60's or so unless I can put the plants under a clamp light. Is this ok? I can filter the light with something if I have to. I have a thin fleece blanket that would let some light and warmth through. Should I use a plant light instead or should I just rely on the window and not worry about getting it warmer than 60? The only way I can keep the plant warmer than that is if I use a clamp light. Suggestions?
I know Ive asked around but I figured you all are probably the experts. I would be so greatful for any advice!
I REALLY want to save the leaf on the phal if possible. It just started turning yellow, maybe last night. If anyone knows why this is happening I would be soooo greatfull.
Thanks so much for your time.
-Gia