Question
I recently purchased a potted orchid plant (actually there are 2 plants in one pot).  It is in a glass container that is about 6" high and 6" wide.  It has water pearls in the bottom.  I have never used water pearls...do you have any advice as to when to add water?  Also, one of the plant's flowers started to fall off and then the buds left on the stem fell off.  The leaves started to fall off and felt sort of squishy.  The root son the has dried up.  I am pretty sure that this one will not come back, but what do you think is the cause of this.  My other orchid in the pot is doing great!!!  It is blooming and has a new stem coming out of it.  How far down do you check for moist soil?  Thank you for your help.  I love orchids and I really want to keep my other plant living.  Also, what type of fertilizer do you recommend and how often.  Should I keep my flower in the pot that I purchased it in with the water pearls, or should I replant it in something else?

Answer
Hello Heather,

I'm afraid the one phalaenopsis is a goner.  What caused it I'm not sure but suspect it may have been a fungus infection.  For this reason, I would suggest repotting the still healthy phalaenopsis into another slightly smaller pot with fresh potting media, you don't want to take a chance that what caused the death of the other to do the same to this one.  

For only one or a couple of orchids, I find that lifting the pot to feel how heavy or light it is a good way to determine if it is time to water.  As the water is taken up by the plant, the potting media will dry out and become lighter.  For phals., allow the potting media to become barely moist between waterings.  

I would recommend a balance type orchid fertilizer but use it at half strength as phalaenopsis do not require lots of it.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.