What am I doing Wrong?

[nonee]

I've had an orchid for two months, things started out just fine. But now my blooms are falling off, is it dying on me? Do I need to transplant it? Is this a stage it goes though? When I got it the tag said to give it an ice cube twice a week and I follow that religously! I need advice!!!

Nonee

[jay]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

First off, if you had blooms for 2 months chances are that the blooms were just ready to go. Nothing stays in bloom forever. More important than the blooms wilting would be the condition of the rest of the plant. If the leaves and roots are good it will bloom again next season.

As for watering, the ice cube method is not necessary. Here is a link to a really good way to know if your orchid needs water. How wet/moist you keep the medium will depend on what type of orchid you have. I am going to go out on a limb and take a guess that you have a Phalaenopsis. There seems to be some company including the ice cube method of watering with their Phals. If it is a Phalaenopsis, see the culture sheet below. If not, let us know if you have any questions on its care.

AOS | Phalaenopsis

How to water:
http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/new...f-orchids.html

Hope this helps. If you are still not sure, post a picture for us to see.

[davetheorchidaddict]

I agree with Jay, one thing I always ask is what medium is it planted in? If it is Spag it might be a good idea to repot it in a medium that lets the roots breath more. Good luck, just hang in there and do not love it to death.

[solay]

Two months in bloom is a long time. Jay has given you the right advice so hope to see the blooms next time around.

[LouisW]

Do you know what kind of orchid it is? Different orchids have different needs so a name and a picture would be ideal.

[brookn]

As far as I know the company that sells the "ice cube" orchids only sells Phals. We got some of the ice Phals at my WM. After 2 years no orchids, we get just add ice plants lol. I checked the company name on the tag, and it's myeasyorchid.com. What's sad is it's a nice site, and they actually provide care instructions, and diagnosing issues. The ice thing kills me though lol.

here's a link:
Just Add Ice | Orchids | Home

[digitalgate]

faint! add ice.

[Plucky Purcell]

nonee, you got the right advice from Jay. Toss that ice cube bit out the window, stick a skewer in your pot and get to growing! Watch out, or you'll soon be bringing home way too many orchids way too fast! Trust me, I know!

[PhalPal]

I know the ice cube method sounds horrific, but has anybody actually tried it???? I mean, maybe it can actually work. For raw beginners it just might be a better method than a slow overwatering death. I know for sure that I 'overloved' my first five or so Phals!

[nonee]

Im not sure what kind of orchids it is, I have added pictures to my profile including some up close of the problem areas. So now that Im not adding ice, and it depends on so many different criteria for how much to water. I don't know how much to water it. I really don't want to kill the poor thing.

Nonee

[jay]

The picture in your avatar is a Phalaenopsis. If you take a look at my earlier post, there are some links you can click on for watering and care instructions for Phals.

Don't hesitate to ask more questions.