What to do when your orchid wilts?

[spottedzebra]

I don't know what type of orchid I have, but it is purple on the outside of the petals, and spotted purple (dots of purple) on white in the center of the petal. And the center of the flower has this little white nub thing, and under that is a yellow blossomy thing. Sorry- I'm really new with orchids, and I don't know any orchid terminology yet.
Anyway, my orchid is starting to wilt now (I've had it for about 2 months), and I don't know what to do.



edited
just the flowers are wilting, and the leaves aren't purple- just the flowers are
when i bought the orchid, the little tag thing didn't say the name, but I think it is a phalaenopsis as well. The leaves aren't drooping, but the flowers are.
Any more suggestions?


Also, I posted a picture of it (my orchid, while still blooming) in the Orchid Pictures yesterday, so if anyone wants to see it, it should be in the more recent orchid pictures.

[Ellen]

What part of the orchid is wilting - the flowers, the leaves, or both?

[jerrymeola]

I am going to take a big guess based on your information and suggest that you have a phalaenopsis orchid. These are very common. Also they are often sold without name tags in the pot. Normally the little name tag in the pot would give us a better starting point for advice.

It can be identified by the very wide leaves (2-4 inches wide, 6-10 inches long for a flowering plant) that if they are wilting hang limp over the side of the pot.

If not give us a further description.

Purple on the leaves is ususally a sign of sun burn (any orchid). Phalaenopsis do not take direct sun. They are best grown in a house or total shade. They also do not like to totally dry out. They should be kept slightly moist.

It sounds like you have a Phal that was in too much sun and not enough water. 'Not enought water' means not consitent enough. Too much water can also rot the roots. The plant should be watered then allowed to almost dry before watering again.

Keep coming back to this forum and we will get you headed in the right direction.

You say you've had the orchid two months now and just the flowers are wilting? It sounds like the flowering may be finished for this year. You can leave the spike on the plant and see if it sends out a secondary branch with more blooms. If the spike turns brown, cut it down to an inch. Or you can just cut the spike down and let the plant rest until the next blooming season, which will start at the end of the year.