Orchid's stem turning pink and drying, HELP!

[jinny]

I'm currently orchid-sitting a phalaenopsis orchid for a friend.
It had 5 flowers when my friend handed it over, and bloomed another 5 flowers in my care about 2 weeks ago, but the flowers started to wilt not long after the last flower bloomed.
I got a little worried but my mom said it's normal because the flowers won't last very long.
Now the flowers are all gone and the stem has started to turn pink! The ends of the stem has even dried up! It's getting worse by the day and I really need some help, I've never had an orchid before and I don't wanna end up killing it, it's a shame because the orchid is really gorgeous and I don't wanna let my friend down.
I took some pictures, please tell me what's wrong and how I can fix it.

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When it was blooming, I watered the orchid once every 2-3 days, with 1/3 cup of water. I then read that it only needs watering once a week so I now water it once every 5 days.
It gets sufficient sunlight everyday, it is placed by the window, but not direct sunlight though, more like reflective sunlight (not very sure how to explain )
I've never given it any fertilizer before and I'm not sure whether my friend has either.

Please help me orchid gurus, any advice will be greatly appreciated =)

[PhalNewbie89]

Looks normal to me. That is what is called a flower spike and they usually die off soon after the flowers do. Most people cut this down close the the plant and allow the plant to focus on root and leaf growth for a while until it is ready to spike again. Plant looks healthy so I wouldn't worry too much about it dying.

Although, I see it is sitting in tissue paper and such. Has it been repotted since your friend bought it? You never know what might be going on in the pot so it should probably be repotted if it hasn't been.

[Phalcycle]

That is the normal life cycle of a Phalaenopsis.
At this stage, I would take the plant out the pot, and examine roots. Repot if necessary, and once you cut, apply cinnamon to that cut surface to prevent secondary infection.
Choose a pot that fits the roots. It isn't necessarily going to be a bigger pot, because remember, you are going to have to cut away rotted roots.
When you are done, cut the spike until the first node, and apply cinnamon there aswell.
Nodes are the bumps you will notice along the spike.
Also, remove any spent flowers away from the bottom, insects like to hide uder there.



Once you are done repotting, give it TLC, and eventually it will reward you with another bloom spike!

[lmartiny]

I wouldn't repot as you are just babysitting it for your friend. For now, I'd cut the spike down below the dead part above a node. Then your friend can decide what they want when they return.

[tangers40]

the flowers probably wilted due to either a) insufficient or bad roots in the pot, or b) a difference in conditions between your friend's house and your own. the flowers should have lasted longer than 2 weeks. my phals bloom for about 4 months at a time. since it's not your plant, i don't suggest repotting either, but do let your friend know that they should consider repotting when they get the plant back. and if they need help or suggestions for repotting, steer them back to our site!

[phalaephila]

Yes, let your friend decide about repotting, but please, let us know - is the water allowed to drain out of the pot when you water? The roots need air as well as moisture.

The spike dying back is normal - it can be removed. As long as the leaves and roots are healthy, the plant will live to bloom again.

[jinny]

That is SUCH a relief to hear!
Ok, I took the orchid, which is still in a transparent plastic pot, out today.
Bad news, the soil appeared wet and the water wasn't drained before and there was stagnant water at the bottom.
I don't think the root got enough ventilation either cause the pot was wrapped in plastic and tissue.
I suspect that my dad has been interfering and watering it without me knowing cause that will explain why the soil was so wet when I only watered it 2 days ago.

I checked on the roots. They appear fine to me, but I don't know anything about flowers so I took some pictures for you all to see.
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The orchid is currently placed outside on the porch to dry out a little bit, and I got rid of all the wrapping stuff and dead flowers.
And I don't think I'm gonna repot it since it is not mine, but I will make sure that my friend does, I'm gonna turn her into an orchid geek too!

I have some questions for the cutting part:
1. In my previous pics, you can see a forked stem, the right one is dried but the left one is still green. Should I just cut off the dried one and see if the green one can be saved?
2. Or should I just cut off the entire stem? I'm quite hesitant about cutting off the entire stem but my mom suggested that I should.

Thanks for helping me!

[-k-]

If it were my plant I would cut the dry one close to the base of the plant and cut the green one just above the second node.

[digitalgate]

For this plant, you can cut the whole spike. That green spike will eventually turn yellow,so no point keeping it. Hey, welcome to the world of orchids! At your place there is also plenty of cheap and great orchids.

[jinny]

I finally cut off the whole spike today, I hope everything turns out fine, I think I'm starting to get attached to the orchid XD

digitalgate:
Thanks, it was a blessing for me to find this site =)
Yeah I was surprised to find out that phalaenopsis orchids come from Malaysia, they're my favourite kind so far.
And I just noticed, WE'RE NEIGHBOURS! ♥