Please help me save my orchid

Hi Iris, if the roots are dry enough then it may not be the water. Inspect the plant more carefully, as I suspect an insect may have gotten into the plant. I had a Phal which was robust with flowers and suddenly the flowers started to wilt. After careful examination there was a medium size cockroach in the plant which may have been disturbing the system for its flowers the prematurely drop. The leaves are also drooping in contrast to a healthy Phal. which will have its leaves upright.

Also, try taking out the plant from the plastic pot and see if the roots are wet in the center as the medium (are they wood chips) may have stayed wet at the inner part of the roots.

You may also have to cut the stem, so as to let the plant focus on healing as you do the above.

hi iris, the view through the plastic pot indicates a healthy root system with the silvery grey spongy tissue - velamen becoming ready to exploit further doses of water. The apple shiny green is a root that is sufficiently hydrated and as a good kiss and tell, green will revert back to silver grey status. Always allow green to change back to spongy silver grey. A very useful tool for care, health and a watering indicator. have your roots rotted and detached from plant itself.Rotten rotting roots are mushy squishy and with a tug reveal a very thin white wire like form.Useless now a it provides no function.. Roots should join the phal at the leaf joints, bracts either side. You can observe a central main spine as it grows where new leaves commence from crown. Phals use leaves as a water reserve as it has no pseudo bulbs, canes, swollen stems) and these should be plump and firm, not wrinkled and limp.

Simply maybe just environmental change triggering shock to its ambience and has aborted bio processes as in spike and bloom. Most orchids require acclimatising period of undetermined time length. Light, heat and fluctuations of many contributing factors delivered in care. Bud Blast is term given to sudden shrivel and drop. Mine have done it in first 3 or so days. Remove spike and cut 3 nodes (bumps on stem) up from base. If roots leaves are ok after inspection your phal is sulking but functioning leaves roots could provide you with a second chance for a new spike.(from node/s)

Possible not enough water, phals require high humidity. You will need to discuss an appropriate water regime with your phal. A compromise!

The hierarchy in your home has now changed. Phal is boss and will play mental mind games with you. In the end if you dont give in to its needs itll turn its leaves yellow and throw them to the ground or will simply stubbornly refuse to bloom toying with your emotions. They give you ample time and chances though!

your orchid looks good to me. Fading flowers are normal, they won't last forever. When the roots are white, as in the photo, it should be watered.

Originally Posted by tucker85

your orchid looks good to me. Fading flowers are normal, they won't last forever. When the roots are white, as in the photo, it should be watered.

hi tucker, my only concern about that photo is that there is one bud that did not open but will now drop alomg with the fading flowers. Is that normal too? And if the flowers start to wilt, would the leaves wilt too? Usually the leaves don't wilt, right?