sick Phalaenopsis

[thamuffingal518]

Hey everyone! I am new to the site and I need some help!!!!

I received a beautiful phalaenopsis orchid two weeks ago. It came already bloomed of course, in a glass, square, NO HOLES container. I thought this was odd because I thought all pots needed drainage holes. I called the florist and she reasured me that this is how is was supposed to be (with no holes). It was glass because the roots of the plant are capable of producing photosenthesis errr something. Two weeks into my enjoyment of this beautiful plant....allllll the flowers fell off. Also, it has 3 leaves; one of which has turned yellow. There are no bugs, shouldnt be any rot, and only receives indirect light as instructed. I have followed EVERYTHING the instruction card says. I water every 4-5 days with 1/2 cup water or by misting only the medium, not the plant itself. I have also only fertilized it once in the two weeks I have had it (my boyfriend put fertilizer "beads" instead of liquid...but it was only a teaspoon amount)

Please help!!!! I'm sad.
-Ashleigh

[margo]

Hi, Ashleigh!!! Welcome to our group!
First thing I would do is to take the phalaenopsis out the glass square (I bought one myself and took it out as soon as I got home...) and repot. Posting a picture of the plant will be very helpful!
Also here is something that I think will be very helpful!
How to Repot a Phalaenopsis Orchid | River Valley Orchidworks

[thamuffingal518]

Thank you so very much for your reply! I am about to repot my orchid as we speak. Hopefully it won't be too stressed out with the transfer. I really appreciate your help! I will keep my fingers crossed and maybe I can keep this beauty alive.

[cindiras]

The idea behind the clear glass pot was good... the roots do photosynthesize sunlight, but no way to drain excess water was not good. I use clear plastic containers from the deli department of my local grocery store as quart size pots for my plants. They are clear, the plastic is easily trimmed or drilled for drainage holes, you can keep an eye on the roots around the edges of the pot. good luck with your re-potting session. That's when you can get your hands dirty!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Good luck with the repot!

Cheers,
BD