Question
I might be buying a new Orchid soon as I think my first one is dying. I brought the Orchid in full bloom about two months ago from a florist here in New Zealand.

I have it in the bathroom where it gets some sunlight (but not direct) and there is a light breeze. I have lightly watered it once a week, but my girl friend seems to think it needs watering a bit more (she is a flower killer.)

Now the petals have fallen off and I only have one flower left. The end of the stalk is like a light redish colour at the top and green in the middle and at the base towards to pot it is turning a light colour redish-yellow. The roots look a little weathered and dry but still green.

Help!

Thanks for your time
Christian
Auckland
New Zealand

Answer
Christian, thank you for sharing your concern with me.  First thing we need to establish is the type of orchid you have.  In addressing your concern, I'll assume that you have a phalaenopsis (moth) orchid.  You will need to correct me if that assumption is wrong.  You are right in watering once per week.  Actually, that watering frequency assumes the plant is in fresh orchid potting mix.  Orchid potting mixes deteriorate over time, hold water longer and allow less air to penetrate the roots.  That's why it is recommended that the orchid be repotted in fresh orchid potting mix after each flowering.  Doing that also permits the examination of the orchid roots and removal of mushy roots (which are either dead or dying) prior to repotting.  In repotting, use a plastic or other pot which has a lot of drainage holes in the bottom.

Phalaenopsis flower spikes often die back after flowering and this does not mean the plant is dying.  Old flower spikes can be cut off above a node (joint) in the flower spike.