baldan's kaleidoscope

[phyllispep]

Hi,
I received this orchid for Christmas. It has two stalks with flowers on it. I would water it - 4 ounces - a week. Since then, the flowers have been falling off. It started about the first of February. This morning, the last flower fell off. I keep it on my kitchen counter. The temperature in the house if 75 degrees. I live around Columbus, Ohio. Does it need more light?? Water?? Fertilizer?? Cooler?? HELP. I thought this orchid was pretty. I am new at this. Thanks,

Phyllispep

[exasperatus2002]

How long has it had the flowers open? Did you receive it in bud? Are you waiting for the substrate to dry out before rewatering? Keep a piece of bamboo skewer in the potting mix and check it from time to time to see if it needs watering. You could be over watering and causing root rot. How does the rest of the plant look? Please update your profile with your area information which can also help.

[patlee]

Hi Phyllispep, Welcome to the forum. I'm in Columbus,too,but there are people here from all over the world. Did you know that there is a big sale at the Conservatory on March 1? All the plants from their "Orchid Forest" exhibit will be on sale!!

As to your orchid, I am not familiar with that name. Do you know what type of orchid it is? Did you say "stalks"? Dendrobium, maybe?

[phalaephila]

Hi, I believe your plant is Phal. Baldan's Kaleidoscope, a pretty and vigorous orchid. Please know that flowers do not last forever, just like the ones in the garden. Phalaenopsis blooms can last a couple months, depending on culture and conditions. After the flowers fade, it's then time to grow new leaves and roots and prepare for the next bloom cycle. Make sure you provide adequate light. Here's a couple culture sheets for you:

http://www.aos.org/aos/uploadedfiles...lturephals.pdf
http://www.aos.org/aos/uploadedfiles...termedphal.pdf

You can cut the bloom spikes or hope for a rebloom - I prefer to cut, but others say to wait till it's brown to cut it down.

Be careful to not overwater your plant, or to let it sit in water - the roots need air between waterings. Don't let water get into the crown of your plant, this will cause rot.

Enjoy growing!

jeanne

[phyllispep]

When I received the orchid, it was already blooming, so I don't know how long they had opened. There were no bud's on the top. The leaves still look healthy.. OOPS!! I just checked the poor thing, and I find standing water in the bottom of the pot. I emptied it and set it in a "west" window. Do I have root rot already???

Phyllispep.

[jerrymeola]

you are probably safe from root rot it has not been that long, but let it dry out well before starting to water again. Probably around 10-14 days.

Be careful when using an exact amount of water. Sometimes it drains out before wetting the entire root system. Water the orchid heavy for a few minutes and let all the excess water drain out. Keep an eye on the potting medium and let it almost dry out between watering.

[phyllispep]

Thank you Jerry,
I am hoping that my first initiation to orchids is not a disaster. I would like to find flowers that last more than a season and enjoy the changes they produce.

Phyllispep

[digitalgate]

Originally Posted by patlee

Hi Phyllispep, Welcome to the forum. I'm in Columbus,too,but there are people here from all over the world. Did you know that there is a big sale at the Conservatory on March 1? All the plants from their "Orchid Forest" exhibit will be on sale!!

As to your orchid, I am not familiar with that name. Do you know what type of orchid it is? Did you say "stalks"? Dendrobium, maybe?

For once i want to be in columbus ohio, ahhhhhh....... orchid sale....
how can i miss that.... cheap sale.....Jedi master worst nightmare...

[patticake]

Hi! I'm afraid that the only flowers that last more than a season, are the artificial type! If you cut the bloom stalk off, and keep taking good care of it, it will bloom again and again for you! Good luck with it!

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I think, unless you have continuous and dependable overcast, a west window may be too much light. The brightest spot that you have that does not get direct light is usually very good. If winter means overcast, just be careful when the weather starts to change. An hour of direct sun can burn the leaves irreparably.

[jerrymeola]

Phal. Baldan's Kaleidoscope is a popular Phal in Florida because its flowers last so long. Six to nine months is possible on an established plant.

It is hard to say how long yours had been in flower and movement can disturb a plant enough to discard flowers. It is the plants first defense in self preservation.

I think you can safely expect a long season next year.

[BlakeeBoo]

Originally Posted by patlee

Hi Phyllispep, Welcome to the forum. I'm in Columbus,too,but there are people here from all over the world. Did you know that there is a big sale at the Conservatory on March 1? All the plants from their "Orchid Forest" exhibit will be on sale!!

As to your orchid, I am not familiar with that name. Do you know what type of orchid it is? Did you say "stalks"? Dendrobium, maybe?

Oh I am going to this maybe i will see you there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by phyllispep

Thank you Jerry,
I am hoping that my first initiation to orchids is not a disaster. I would like to find flowers that last more than a season and enjoy the changes they produce.

Phyllispep

Welcome, and don't worry Phyllispep, just pay proper cultural attention to your orchid and you will find them to be very hardy plants!