I need help!

[xxhalloqueenxx]

Hi!
I wouldn't say I'm new to orchids, as I've loved them forever, but have NEVER had luck in keeping them alive. Phals are my favorite flowers in the whole world- and I've gotten several of them as gifts from friends and family that I just can't seem to keep alive. Despite my love for them, I don't know much about their care

I have one plant that I've had for over a year, that was in bloom when it was purchased for me from an orchid farm in Livermore (SF Bay Area). It hasn't bloomed since, but the leaves seem to be pruny-looking and very dark green. I give it orchid food and only water when the pot feels very light, but I've never replanted it. It still seems to fit comfortably in the pot. It's gotten a few spikes, but they've never grown very large (it actually has one now!)

The next 2 I got in April as a gift. They were both in bloom, but now they're not- and they're not looking so good. Their leaves are also very pruny and dark green, and I'm not quite sure how far down to cut the old stem where the flowers were. Can I cut it all the way off?

My question is this: What should I do to get them looking good again (and keep them alive)? I read things online and see so many mixed answers that I get confused. They're all planted in bark, and in plastic pots with holes at the bottom. I keep them near a window with partially open blinds.

Thanks!

[fred]

hi and welcome to the forum
I hope that you enjoy your stay here with all of us orchidgeeks.
we have a very friendly bunch of members also full of knowledge.
I think it will also help if you could update your Location in your Profile.
Understanding Phal culture will also help you and your orchids
Orchid Care for Phalenonopis & Paphiopedilum Orchids

also a link to the AOS Culture sheet ( downloadable file)
http://www.aos.org/aos/uploadedfiles...lturephals.pdf

if you have any more questions just ask away

happy chatting

[pikevi]

Hello xxhalloqueenxx.

Welcome to the forum.

Your plants are safe now since you are here .You will get individual attention here as well.

Good luck.

[Tobi]

Hi and welcome Halloqueen. Along with Fred's links to Phal care, it would be
helpful to know what light conditions, humidity and air circulation you are
currently using. Which direction is the window they're facing in?

[Vivienne]

Welcome halloqueen... lots of friendly and helpful people here. We'll get those Phals in tip top shape in no time. You might find tho that you'll suddenly get an urge for more!

[mayres]

Hi from me as well Halloqueen.
What do you mean by "pruny"? I don't think we have ever seen that word used to describe a phal before. Do you mean that some or all of the leaves are somewhat shriveled or dessicated? One of the main problems with people starting out growing phals is overwatering - if what I seem to be reading between the lines is true, maybe you have taken the opposite extreme? Yes, the pots should feel somewhat light as you have described, but only for a short while. You might be underwatering? Can you post a pic of your plant(s)? Very dark green would tend to indicate that they are not getting enough light. They should be a medium grassy green. Where do you have them located in relationship to the light source?

[PhalPal]

Welcome halloqueen - a very useful sticky you might want to visit is regarding watering, by far the easiest (and most common) way to kill a phal. I speak from experience. Give it a read:Skewer use for watering of orchids