Question
Hello Mr. King,

I received an orchid (Phalaenopsis) as a gift in June and it was beautiful. I think 4 of the flowers already bloomed before I got it and 2 more came in a couple weeks later. About less than a month of having it, the flowers fell off. I kept it in the original pot and left it on the corner of my desk in my room which is right next to the window. I carefully set the blinds so that just enough sunlight would shine through, making sure that the sunlight was not directly on the plant. After the flowers fell off, I was worried and placed the it outside on my deck against the wall, again, making sure no direct sunlight. I realized now that the flowers falling off are normal, but am unsure if I damaged my orchid by placing it outside. It has been there for about 2-3 weeks. Could you please give me some advice as to what I should do to care for it so that it won't dye and if it looks okay to you. I'm not sure whether or not it is still healthy. None of the leaves fell off. They are pretty green. Some of the edges of the leaves are a little brown as you'll see in the pictures. Should I continue to leave it outside (weather has been ~70-77 degrees/ a couple rain showers at night so far) or take it inside? Also, should I repot it? Thank you so much for your help!

Please let me know if you have any questions or need more information.

Here is a link to pictures of the orchid:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QNFUPJX9gDPWXlbkfTJXhQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCKK7oo...

Thank you again!

-Dawny-

Answer
Dawny, I recommend that you locate a source for fir-bark based orchid potting mix and repot your plant.  Also repot it to a plastic pot with lots of air holes in the bottom.  This process is recommended after each flowering when the plant begins to grow new roots and leaves. Once you hae repotted it, you may water it once weekly.  When you repot be sure to remove any roots that are mushy as they are dead and will contribute nothing to new to plant growth.  Also, be sure  to soak the fresh potting mix as the fir bark is usually dry and will take lots of soakig to wet it prior to use.

A healthy plant should flower next year at the same time.  It is fine to grow it outside until the night temperatures drop into the 50's.  You were right to keep it out of the direct sunlight.  When you have to move it indoors, it sound as if you have a good spot for it.  It appears that you have a phalaenopsis that might rebloom on its old flower spike as if appears to be staying green.  Cut the flower spike off just above a node (ie joint).

Your plant looks healthy, but the procedure I mentioned should allow to get to the root of the matter (no pun intended).