new orchid - wilting flowers / yellowing leaves

[rachel]

Hello! I just received a phalaenopsis as a gift about 6 weeks ago. It had several flowers and a bud at that time. The bud bloomed and everything was looking good for a few weeks. I only watered when the moss was dry, and put the plant on a dresser about 8-10 feet away from a window. I wasn't sure how close to the window to place the plant. A few days ago, I noticed two of the flowers starting to wilt. I moved the plant closer to the window (1-2 feet). I now have four flowers wilting. Also, I just noticed some of the leaves are yellowing.

This plant is very important to me as it was given to me by my mother after my son died. It represents him and I really want to save it. Please please help me understand what I need to do to get things back on track. Thank you all so much!

[Katherine]

Stick your finger into the moss and see if it is wet, you may have over-watered it.they prefer damp, with a bit of drying out before watering. Moss holds a lot of water. If it is in a decorative vessel take it out of it because it probably has no drainage. Orchids like to have air around the roots. A Phalenopsis can take quite a bit of light, up to maybe bright filtered. You may have to repot it.