Possible Dead Orchid

[belle_fleur]

Hello, I'm new to this site and would just like to say hello. I've got a problem with an orchid that I've had for about 2 years now. It has bloomed 2 times and I think that is about right. I'm not sure what kind it is, but it has small blooms in a yellow color. at any rate, my main concern is that it is dead. I do not have a green thumb so the fact that my flower has lasted for 2 years is pretty amazing, but I left for about 5 days back in May. One of the flowers blooms had died and there were two others that fell off while i was gone. When I returned the entire flowering stalk was brown, right down to the leaves. If this happens, will I ever grow another one? My leaves are still green and it seems that although I've completely quit watering it, the roots are growing up and out of the soil like crazy. What are my options?

[arleneg]

Since the leaves are green and roots are growing, keep it and keep doing what you've done to make it bloom before. Don't give up on it. Blooms come and go.

HTH.

[Sara]

It sounds to me that your orchid is done blooming, and is going into a growth period. Just cut down the bloom stalk, and care for it as usual.
HTH!

[belle_fleur]

thank you so much! I'm so glad what I've heard isn't true. I really didn't want to admit I killed my first orchid. I'm still strike free.

Thanks!

[mayres]

Even if you did kill one you wouldn't be alone. I would be willing to wager that most people who have any number of orchids that they've grown over several years time will have a few plants in orchid "heaven" - it comes with the territory. Enjoy your plant(s)! mike