Shelob orchid needs help!

[carriet42]

I was given a Shelob orchid several weeks ago as a gift. When purchased, it had two blooming stalks. One stalk died within 5-7 days (flowers died and stalk turned yellow then brown and was completely dried out) and I removed it at the base of the stalk. The flowers on the other stalk dried up and died within another week or two. I removed the blooms, but left the stalk alone. I was watering it every 4-6 days, and the blossomless stalk stayed nice and green, except at the extreme where the flowers were. It was slightly brown on one side. Two weeks ago, I saw a sign in a store saying "Mist your orchids twice a day", so I tried that, and the one stalk left turned yellow (currently a pale brown). Earlier today, I saw online that you shouldn't get the leaves wet when watering. Good or bad advice? What can I do?! I feel that I have been overwatering for the past couple of weeks, and have gone back to the original schedule of every 4-6 days, but through it all, the leaves have remained a nice healthy green color (may have gotten a little darker). I'm obviously a newbie. Any recommendations? Should I remove the now dead stalk? How far down? How and when can I get it to rebloom? I'm not planning to start a collection or anything (I obviously do not have a green thumb!), I just want to rehab my existing plant and keep it healthy and beautiful. I've been searching online, but haven't found anything really specific about my Shelob (I believe it's a miltassia?) Thanks!

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Misting the leaves won't hurt as long as you do it in the morning and the leaves are dry by the time the temperature starts to fall. I don't think there is any advantage to misting a Miltassia, or other members of the Oncidium alliance. They generally have fairly tough leaves. I would recommend the use of barbeque skewer to test the moisture in the pot. Fortunately, Miltasias can take a little more water than some other orchids, so I think you will be OK so far. I recommend reading this post of mine on skewers: Skewer use for watering of orchids

[Aniko]

You are on the right way now - heavy misting is not a need for every type of orchid. Depends a lot on the climate where you live.
The Miltassia Shelob 'Tolkien' is an Oncidium alliance orchid, which has water "reservoir": the plump stalks named pseudo-bulbs, at the base of the leaves.If these pseudo-bulbs are smooth and firm feeling, the plant is getting enough water.If they are badly shriveled, the plant needs more water.Cynthia's sewer method prevent over watering.
Cut off the old spike, the pseudo-bulb will not flower again, but will develop new pseudo-bulbs at the base which will bloom the next year.
Good luck! Aniko.

[johnemartin]

I prefer having my orchids sitting over a pebble tray compared to misting. First, of course, it's easier but more importantly, the orchids continue to get a humid environment, especially since I didn't always remember to mist. Another issue; I can't swear that distilled water is superior to tap water but I have read that and it's all I use anymore. It makes sense that an orchid will be happiest with water that doesn't contain anything but hydrogen and oxygen and hydrogen. Good luck.

[carriet42]

Thank you everyone for your comments. I did see Cynthia's skewer tips, and plan to try it. Is this an orchid that likes to dry out before watering again?The pseudo-bulbs had gotten a little wrinkled a few weeks ago, and have never plumped back up, so should I water it more (I've been using brita filtered water brought to room temp), or willl they always stay that way? Good to know about the spike, I thought I was killing it! This site has been so helpful.

[Aniko]

If the pseudo-bulbs are a little wrinkled is not a tragedy, but don't let the medium completely dry between watering, Miltassia likes a bit of moisture all the time.Just watering isn't enough for growing because the potting medium is not a fertile soil.You can use an orchid food or any balanced fertilizer(20-20-20) in high dilution (1/4 tsp per gallon).This will provide nitrogen, phosphate, potash and some micro elements needed for a good health of the plant.
There is an other aspect of watering: orchids are very sensitive to salt, so any accumulation of fertilizer has to be avoided by letting regularly tap water flushing well the bark and the roots. From time to time you can even soak the pot in water for several minutes, than flush.

[atcrosby]

Also, pseudobulbs do wrinkle as they age (like all of us) so check them as Aniko indicates. Oncidiums are difficult but the skewer is one thing to prevent overwatering. Keeping good humidity levels also help since the plant is able to retrieve moisture that way was well.

the humidity tray seems nice but will probably do little to raise the ambient humidity in the room where your orchids are growing. most home grown chids do well with humidity that is comfortable for humans 30-50%. the cheapest way i have found to provide humidity good for all is to use a cheapo sunbeam or whatever steam vaporizer for several hours a day. as cynthia said i too mist in the morning, if i do at all. most have an automatic shut off and are inexpensive $10-15. i have shelob it bloomed twice this year. it seems to need time to acclimate to the new enviornment. i don't mess with the roots.they can sulk for a loooong time. hope this helped