Please Help!!!!

[myfathersheart]

I have three different orchids right now and yes I am a newbie. I know I kind of went crazy, but I love orchids... 2 I bought from Home Depot and 1 was left from an old roommate.

I have attached the pics.

plant 1 the purple colored one seems to be doing well in my window sill which receives late morning sun

plant 2 with the white blooms isnt fairing so well. Its leaves are rubbery and turning yellow and droopy, it is in the same window sill.

plant 3 has no blooms although it looks like there is a spike coming, color looks good but some of the bottom leaves are getting wilty as well. This one get only indirect light as it is on a bookshelf.

I picked up an orchid fertilizer that you mix with the water you run through the roots every other week... Is that right?

I have looked online for help, but really need some advice

[dtje2000]

You have three phalaenopsis orchids, and all look to be in good shape overall based on the attached photos. I'm no expert, so be patient while some of the more experienced folks offer some advice. If they were mine, the first thing I would check is the roots to see if they are in good shape or rotting. What little I do know is that phals do not care for decomposing mix. The white blooms are lovely.

[mehitabel]

Hi fathersheart. Your phals are very beautiful, especially the light pink. No wonder you've fallen in love.

So, how to care for them?

First, download the culture sheets for phalaenopsis from the Canadian Orchid Congress and from Big Leaf Orchids. They are both excellent. The COC talks about roots and repotting, which everyone needs to know. Big Leaf notes are written especially for the new indoor grower, ie you. These two sources cover what you need to know to begin to care for your beauties.

1. The last picture shows a wilted leaf. This is likely the result of the plant becomeing too dry at some point. Also, your medium looks so dry-- it shouldn't be sopping wet, but it looks like it never was wet. So heft the pot, see if it feels light. Burrow your finger down into the medium at least an inch or two, see if it feels moist or dry.

Now, assuming the pot feels light and the finger feels dry, soak the plant, pot and all for at least a half hour in some tepid water. I'm recommending this because the medium looks dry, and if so, it won't retain any water you pour thru. You need to get that medium wet, hence the soak.

Phals need moisture and don't want to be completely dry. You need to water copiously when you water-- pour water thru until the pot feels heavy. Then let it dry out *some*. Water again while still barely moist.

2. For the time being, put them near a window, but not directly in the window, maybe a foot or two away. You will need adjust this later after you have read a little bit.

3. Fertilizer-- easy does it. Yes, they need fertilizer, but it has to be *weak*. Phal roots are adapted to glean low levels of nutrients, so they will be burned by fertilizer at full dose. *Fertilize at 1/4 the dilution recommended on the label* I use an eyedropper to measure fertilizer. Think like this: too much fertilizer = a death sentence for your plant. If you err, err on the too-little side. For now, don't fertilize. Just make sure they are hydrated, and wait to fertilize til you've read up on them.

*Always* water before fertilizing. Absolutely never fertilize it when dry. Water copiously, set it aside for a half hour or so, then fertilize. Or fertilize the day after watering.

Okay, that will get you started. While your orchids are soaking, look up and print out the culture sheets. Until you've done that, you don't know enough

[brookn]

Hi and welcome to Geeks. Try these links also:

AOS | Phalaenopsis

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

[tina jacobs]

Welcome you are at the right place once you register to this site its hard not to come back someone will be able to help you safe your babies here. Good luck

[jay]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Looks like you already have some great advise on how to care for your new addiction.

[myfathersheart]

Thank you soooo much,, I was afraid that maybe I was over watering them... I will soak them right now...

Then read.

thanks bunches I will let you know how it goes

[orchidlover55]

Welcome to the Forum!!! it is nice to have you .

Debra

[articuno75]

Hello Myfathersheart and welcome to the forum

You have been given wonderful advice already. I love the white Phal with the yellow. I'm a sucker for white Phals.

[patticake]

Good to have you with us! Keep us posted on how they're doing!

[CharliesAngel51]

you have come to the right place for info. Lots of knowledgeable people here willing to share their experience with you. Glad you joined us. Let us know how your orchids are doing after their "soak".