first aid for phal -- please help.

[journorchid]

I have what used to be a healty single-stalk phal orchid plant (purple) with two large, mature leaves and two small, younger leaves. The stems form a sort of Y because the bud top of the original one was shorn off (see my only other post) and it then sprouted a flower spike off the side halfway down.

Last night, five of the beautiful flowers wilted quite suddenly. Not sure if this is temperature, humidity, smoke (fireplace), or other-related, but I want to save what I can of this plant for reasons discussed in the other post. Please let me know what might cause sudden bloom wilt (some of them had dried top petal, but others seemed more like an overwatering situation) or what I need to check. While you're at it, maybe you could recommend whether I should snip off the left (non-budding/blooming) fork of the Y, the one that extends upward and is splinted but has no apparent new growth.

Thanks all for sharing your expertise with an ignoramus like me.

Dan

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I would vote for the fire place. Flowers usually fade from the oldest first.

[daytriper]

I agree----fireplace smoke--air contamination

[journorchid]

Thanks, guys. I had a feeling about that. Being terrible with plants, it didn't even occur to me that smoke could be the culprit. I've moved the plant to a much cooler (60 degrees F) room with a warm air humidifier on low in the opposite corner. Let me know if anyone has thoughts on whether/where to snip the non-growing branch, or on what other action to take...

[Aniko]

I see, you are worrying a bit for the future of your Phal .So, to be sure that things are going to be OK try the skewer method for a better control of watering, especially now, when the plant is moved to a cooler place.I think in Long Island, you have quite enough humidity in the air, no need for more.I'm living in CT, I don't use humidifier and my Phals are doing great.
If the bare branch bothers you, can be clipped off - use a sterile tool.
Aniko.