Absolutely NEW to Orchids and YOU all

[JoeW]

Kerri, I was confused at first too. The picture cannot be more than 700x700 and you can only post four at a time. See
http://www.rv-orchidworks.com/orchid...tos-101-a.html
Scroll down to post #4. The Image Resizer is excellent.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Yes! I figured it out. It was being blocked with pop-up blocker. Okay, so maybe now I can post the pictures and then my questions...let's see...

Alright, so my questions are:
1. See those little branches coming off about halfway up each spike? How'd they get there and what is thought about them? Are they good?
2. Where are these "nodes" I'm supposed to cut back at once the blooms are pretty well spent? Can you describe like, inch wise from the top end of these spikes where to cut?
3. You can see (I hope) that there are yet to be opened buds on these spikes. A couple have opened since I have gotten this plant and their blossoms are much smaller than those already on the plant. Is this normal, if not, what is causing the diminutive size? I figured that they would stay closed until the right size was reached and then they would open up and be the same as the others, but that appears to not be the case.
Hmmm. No preview for the post? I donno if the pics and all are going to show up like I hope. Oh well, here's giving it my best shot!
Thanks for all the help!

1. The branches are just that - branches that will bud and flower.
2. The 'nodes' are the little joints up and down the length of the flower spike. You can cut them just above the third node from the bottom if you choose to do so. I generally do not practice this. Instead, I cut the spike one inch above the plant and let the plant rest and grow so that I get larger flowers on the next spike. It is really personal preference.
3. Newer buds will be smaller. Patience is the key with orchids. They will continue to grow if given the right conditions. The smaller buds opening early could be from moving the orchid from one location to another. Something probably out of your control.

Finally, about previewing a post. To preview your post you must do one of two things. If you are using the 'quick reply' box at the bottom of the page, then you need to click on the 'ADVANCED' button. If you actually lick on the 'REPLY' button below a post or the 'QUOTE' button within a post, you will be taken to the main reply window and below that will be a 'Submit Reply' and a 'Preview Post' button.

Best of luck!
Cheers,
BD

[JoeW]

Kerri, it looks like you have a beautiful orchid.

[Kerriwyn]

Well, thank you very much for the responses. I guess I'll close this thread because there is not more 'illness' as the leaf is off now.
Next time I have a question (or series!) I'll start up a new thread in the appropriate area.
Thanks again.

[Kerriwyn]

Okay...I'm back. My plant is apparently not happy. I donno why. The immature buds have begun to dry up and fall off before opening. If you notice earlier I was wondering why some had flowered but the blossoms were smaller than the others.
I donno what's wrong and would appreciate help. I give it a weak solution of fertilizer every few times I water it. mmm Yeah. So, what's up?

[kuteorchid]

A very belated Welcome Kerri........I am relatively new here too....so i will allow the experts to answer ur questions......again welcome and very nice pics i might add

[cherublace]

hi. your phal has a lovely color. hope you figure it all out. i would love to advise you but i'm new to this too. I could guess but don't want to steer you the wrong way. good luck and welcome.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Okay...I'm back. My plant is apparently not happy. I donno why. The immature buds have begun to dry up and fall off before opening. If you notice earlier I was wondering why some had flowered but the blossoms were smaller than the others.
I donno what's wrong and would appreciate help. I give it a weak solution of fertilizer every few times I water it. mmm Yeah. So, what's up?

This could be caused by moving the plant while in bud from one location to another (store to home - or - car to home - or outside to inside, etc...) The buds that develop where your orchid is living now should bloom out for you.

Another factor could be cold air or hot air blowing on the buds causing them to blast.

Cheers,
BD

[stacey8989]

I've found that there are 2 main reasons my orchid buds blast - 1. air that is too hot/cold as Brutal Dreamer mentioned and 2. not enough light. I was told (by an orchid grower) that orchids with unopened buds need lots of indirect light in order to bloom.

I tend to overwater my orchids, so I am neglecting them for a full week to see what happens!