Merou

who's good with orchids? I can't get my phalenopsis to do well

KimTT

Withering buds? What's the trouble?

girlaTTorney

I used to keep them in a bathroom that had a western exposure .......That was the only time I had luck but they lasted for years. Now that I am in Florida, a natural orchid habitat, they last 3 weeks......good luck!

Merou

(lol I had to look up "wither" in the dictionary, but now that I know what it means, that's exactly what happens)
It's never exposed to direct sunlight, it's not even in a very bright spot. It gets a lot of heat, but it's pretty dry in my apartment. The orchid is planted in this moss thing, and I try to keep in moderately moist, but I haven't found a good trick to do so yet - when I water it it gets really wet, then two days later it seems very dry. I've heard mixed opinions about spraying water directly on the leaves, so I'm not sure what to do about that.
All the buds dried out one after the other. There is just one left . I'd like to get at least one flower out of that baby! Also, there seems to be a new stem growing between the leaves. It's about 1/2 inch long for now. I just noticed it a few days ago, I don't know if it was there before.
What am I doing wrong?

Merou

the bathroom is a good idea for humidity... I barely get any light in mine though (faces east)

KimTT

The Phalaenopsis orchid is a good beginner orchid, says Slump. They thrive in bright, indirect light.
Orchids love to be rootbound.
To repot an orchid, remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots, carefully removing any torn or mushy ones. Place the orchid in a container full of fresh planting medium. Slump uses one that contains charcoal, perlite and fir bark.
Clay pots work well with orchids because the plants tend to be top-heavy, and the heavier pots provide a sturdy home.
Orchids need good air circulation around their roots to thrive well.
Bark mounts are a good option for greenhouse orchids because they can pull humidity from the air, whereas orchids in the home do better in pots.
Water orchids two to three times per week, making sure to soak the potting medium thoroughly.
Feed plants once or twice a month, using a diluted liquid fertilizer that you spray at the base of the orchid immediately after watering.
When an orchid is in bloom, increase watering to keep the flower fresh.<ul><li><a href="http://www.emmitsburg.net/gardens/articles/frederick/2002/growing_orchids.htm">http://www.emmitsburg.net/gardens/articles/frederick/2002/growing_orchids.htm</a</li></ul>

KimTT

<ul><li><a href="http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/orchid_gardening/9004">http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/orchid_gardening/9004</a</li></ul>

KimTT

<ul><li><a href="http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/orchid_gardening/9829">http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/orchid_gardening/9829</a</li></ul>

Merou

Thanks tons Kim! I hope I can salvage it... Thanks for all the info