Question
hi, i have a question about my orchid, it seems very healthy and it had about 4 blossoms and they died and i have done everything i was supposed to, and very confused why they died, what am i doing wrong? its species is: Phalaenopsis schilleriana. so if you can help, please email me, thanks.

Answer
Diana, if you purchased it in flower and the flowers are now dying, there is no telling how long it was in flower before you purchsed it.  In such a circumstance, it may well be the end of the flowering cycle.  If you have had it for several months and it formed buds and flowers in your possession, you should be aware that the flowers last for about 2-3 weeks after the buds open. If you had the buds open while in your possession and the flowers lasted less than 2 weeks, then it may be that the plant has root problems.  If this is the case, let me know and I can walk you through the repotting process.

If the flower spike is still green, you may be able to induce a flower branch to form by cutting off the flower spike above a node (ie joint) on the flower spike.  Be aware, that phalaenopsis orchids should be repotted in a special orchid potting mix following each flowering.