Removing wilting flowers

[jeffjohnson23]

Hi,

What is the best way to remove wilting flowers? I just got home and one of my flowers looks sick.

[Becky15349]

Hi Jeff! You can pinch that flower off as close to the spike as possible, I'd probably use some scissors so you don't tear the spike.

~Becky

[jeffjohnson23]

it seems a little odd that this phalaenopsis has only 6 flowers and 10 buds and 1 is already wilting away while my other phalaenopsis has 6 flowers and 16 buds and they all look great. So, I'm just wondering if there is something wrong with this phalaenopsis.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Don't worry just yet, Jeff. Since this is the lowest flower, it is probably just normal flower fade. That bloom may have been open for several weeks already.

Cheers,
BD

[jeffjohnson23]

thanks guys,
I'll remove that flower and keep an eye on the phalaenopsis.

[jeffjohnson23]

I left the flower on over night. I looked at it this morning and the flower fell off. Didn't have to cut it off. It took one full day to wilt and fall off the orchid.

[bench72]

see, that's the kinda orchid I like... one that cleans after itself!!! Now if only it would water and fertilise itself...

by the way, that's a lovely coloured Phal!

[jeffjohnson23]

O'crap, 2 more flowers are wilting on me but the other 3 look ok. I do have a new flower opening.

[mycologist]

Did you just move it or change something? Assuming it isn't being kept too wet and developing root issues, they seem to like a bit of extra water when in flower to keep the blooms longer. Don't over do it but it shouldn't dry out completely from what I have gathered.

[jeffjohnson23]

Today, my Phal leaves all fell off. I had two healhty leaves left as I picked up the plant, leaves just feel off. I still have two spikes with flowers but I wondering if the orchid is doom? Any suggestions how I can save my Phal?