Orchids in Phx, AZ

[Tempeorchid]

Hi,
I am new to this website. I just purchased a phaleonopsis orchid about 2 months ago. When I purchased it it had 2 spikes, one with 3 flowers and 6 buds and the smaller spike had 5 buds. The plant came in a plastic see through pot and when I brought it home I put the plastic pot into a larger decorative clay pot with marbles at the bottom and water. Since bringing it home the 6 buds on the larger spike opened and then 1 by 1 fell off. the smaller spike just withered and all the buds fell off. I don't know if it is because the air is too dry here or what, I daily mist the plant with a water bottle. Now the spikes are shriveling up. Do I need to cut them? Is there some kind of humidifier I can buy for it? How do I get it to bloom again? The high temperature in my house is 80 F the low is 76 F.
I am looking forward to learning more about orchids.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I recommend the DVOS and the OSA, both of which meet in the Phoenix area.
http://www.dvos-az.net
http://welcome.to/orchidsocietyaz
There is nothing like a hands on look at your plant. I will be at the DVOS meeting next Thurday, 6:00 pm, and will be happy to look at your plant and talk to you. Send me an email or private message if you have questions or need more info about the Orchid Societies. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

[Tempeorchid]

Thank you for your reply and the links. I probably won't be able to make it to the orchid society mtg but I appreciate the invite. Are there any books that you would recommend?

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

After growing orchids for 40+ years, I don't read beginner books any more, but I'm surre that others will make recommendations, and if you read older threads you will come across many past recommendations. Your plant may have lost the buds from just a very significant change in environment. It should adapt with time and as long as the leaves stay healthy, you will probably get flowers next fall/winter, and if the flower stems stay green(might or might not), then there is the possibility of a growth of a branch on a stem and more flowers on it. When the spikes turn brown, cut them off. Cynthia