Another Newbie

[gayle.tedford]

I received a Phalaenopsis for Christmas which was in bloom. After the blooms fell off, I trimmed the stem from the top rather than the bottom and now I have what looks like new leaves on the stem rather than buds. Also the leaves are droopy and one has turned yellow. From what I have read, I cut the stem off at the wrong end. What should I do?

[snowballsarebad]

Welcome!
Your new leaves on the stem might be a keiki, or a baby plant. You can let it grow until it is big enough to remove and grow as a new orchid (roots will grow, let them get a few inches long), or you can just recut the stem closer to the plant and toss the keiki.
What leaves on your phal are droopy? Are they the keiki leaves or leaves on the main part of the plant? This usually signals a watering problem, in my experience. Either you have overwatered, and the roots are rotted and not getting any water to the plant, or you have underwatered. Cutting the spike usually does not affect the leaves like this, so don't worry about that.
You'll want to check your roots...they should be firm and whitish or greenish, not dark brown, grey, black, and mushy.
Also, pictures always help!

[snowballsarebad]

Also, here is a link to culture sheets for various orchids, from the American Orchid Society. Read up on your phal just to make sure your growing conditions are spot on.
AOS | Members Only Area

[gayle.tedford]

Thank you for the information! I will take a picture to post when I find my camera!! In the interim, the droopy leaves and the yellow leaf are on the plant itself not the baby plant and I can't see the roots. I really don't think I have overwatered it. I'm afraid if I water it more then it will be overwatered. What do you suggest now?

[gayle.tedford]

Snowballsarebad! I just looked in the planter my orchid is in and realized it's in a black plastic pot which is stilling down in a white vase looking container. I took the plastic pot out of the container and there was water standing in the bottom of the container!. My phal has been sitting in water for who knows how long? So I poured the water out and put the plastic post back in the container. (The yellow leaf fell off when I took the plastic pot out of the container.) I think I'll keep the baby for now and see what happens. Thank you so much for your help!!!

[CharliesAngel51]

You will need to make 5 posts before you can send a picture. Only 3 more to go. Also what is it planted in? It is very easy to over water if it is planted in sphagnum moss. Don't let it sit in water. If it has a saucer under it make sure no water collects there. Orchids don't like wet feet. When you can, send a picture. That will be helpful.
Glad you joined us

[CharliesAngel51]

Gayle you were posting as I was typing. The standing water was a bad thing. You did right to pour it out. You may have to re pot the orchid if the roots are rotted, it depends on how long it was sitting in the water. Wait for someone else to give you advice before doing that. I am new to orchids myself so would rather you get more opinions.

[Plucky Purcell]

Hey there! Nice to have you.

This is a great site for diagnosing orchid problems. It's really helped me.

Good luck with your growing!

[gayle.tedford]

I love this place!!!

[tizzycat]

Originally Posted by gayle.tedford

I love this place!!!

So do we!!!!

I would remove your Phal. from the black plastic pot and remove any brown mushy roots and repot in fresh medium in a clear plastic pot so you can keep an eye on what's going on below the surface.

Below are a couple of really useful links that should help: Some good advice and a foolproof watering method.

Orchid Care for Phalenonopis & Paphiopedilum Orchids

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

Good Luck. Don't hesitate to shout if you have more questions.

[patticake]

Good to have you with us!

[fred]

welcome to the forum
nice to have you with us