help!

[anne]

Hi! Some people at work threw away some orchids that they had been given once the blooms died. I found them in the garbage with what appears to be a very healthy base, the leaves are quite green and look good. I have no idea what kind of orchids they are except they must be pretty generic as they were sent to a work place, they had white blooms on a stalk that makes an arch. It seems now that the the stalk part is looking as though it is losing its vitality, although the leaves look strong- should I be cutting back the stalk that once had the flowers, or will it become dark in color again( it almost looks like the stalk is dying) Sorry that I know nothing about orchids, but I would like to save them if possible. thanks!!!

[fred]

hi anne
welcome to the forum
I hope that you enjoy your stay here with us
may be you could post a picture of the orchids so we can let you know what they are.
they may be Phalaenopsis but to be sure as there are many orchids available we would need to see a photo.
can you also go into your user settings and update your Profile with your Location as we have members from all over the world with different growing conditions.

once we can see what sort of orchids you have we can advise you with the right information and culture.

[MariahK]

If I had to guess I would say it is a phalaenopsis, but with out pics I cant say for sure. Yes you can cut the stalk off especially if it is changing colors.

[anne]

I looked up the orchids online, and they are definitely phalaenopsis plants. I live in chicago and have put them in a southern facing window... thanks so much!aps

[fred]

here is a link to the American Orchid Society Culture sheet for phalaenopsis
http://www.aos.org/aos/orchids/docum...lturephals.pdf

you could also have found pics of phalaenopsis orchids in our Picture Gallery
see link
http://www.orchidgeeks.com/gallery/browseimages.php?c=2

also you will find some useful information in the section Orchid Data Information For Newbies
http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/orc...n-for-newbies/

if you have any more questions please feel free to ask as you will find the members here have alot of useful knowledge.

[Tobi]

Hi Anne and welcome to the forum. Follow the links that Fred posted on the
care for Phalaenopsis. You don't want them in a southern window. Phals
like light but NO direct sunlight. An eastern to north-eastern window would
be preferred. Ask all the questions you want. I'm sure you'll be able to do
just fine growing them.

[Sharyn]

Hi Anne and welcome to the forum. You should go to the "user settings" and add Chicago to your profile so you get the proper information each time you post.

I have many phals and they are several feet away from a Southern window - no direct sun. They do quite well. In the winter when the sun enters more of the room, I just move the phals a little further into the room - sometimes on the dining room table.

How lucky for you to rescue some healthy plants. I would cut the flower stem off near the base with a sterilized tool. The phals will be forming their new spikes soon. As a newbie, get yourself one of the Ortho Books. Either of their books are great reference. And keep asking lots of questions. Good luck.

[orchid_girl]

Welcome to the forum!!! I am sure most of us have rescue a lot of orchids before too There is plenty of info on here and keep asking questions we will all try to help!

[PhalPal]

WARNING Anne!!!! I started my orchid addiction by saving a few landfill bound phals from work five years ago. Phals are a wonderful orchid and a good one for beginners. I only regret I did not have this forum while I was learning!
And Welcome to the forum!

[linda_shel]

Welcome. You are starting with a great orchid. Good luck.

[WIB]

In Massachusetts I have found that from late fall to early spring a south facing window is fine for phals, although I keep them on a shelf at a little distance from the window. Between the dust that accumulates on the glass, and the frequent cloud cover, south facing seems to work well for them. The paphs I keep in an east window, and ditto the jewel orchids. -- B

[Tess1]

Hi Anne, welcome, good luck with the orchids.

[tizzycat]

Hi Ann I'm sure you'll do just fine with the hlep from people here.

Welcome to the forum.

[jbigio]

welcome lots of smart people here......and me to