Question
QUESTION: I recently got a Phalaenopsis orchid from my mother.  I have been doing research on how to best care for them.  Everywhere I have looked, I have been told to water it approximately twice a week, or when it is barely moist.  However, I live in Las Vegas and the potting medium feels completely dry every day.  Is it okay to water it more often, or should I be putting more water in the pot when I water it.  Are there any other tips that I could get for growing orchids in a desert.

ANSWER: Hello Elora,

What you have read so far is basically true, water it when the potting media is barely moist.  Living in Las Vegas, that could be a problem especially in the warmer (hotter?) months.  

What I would suggest is soaking the pot in lukewarm water rather than pouring it in from the top.  Soak it for about 30 to 60 minutes, lift it out and allow excess water to drain out the bottom drain holes then place it where you grow it.  It may also help to have a plastic tray about 2 inches deep filled with small pebbles to the top of the tray, place the pot on top and keep it filled with water.  As the water evaporates, it will create a little humidity or moist air around it.  Just make sure the bottom of the pot is not sitting in the water.  

Also, it would be a good idea to mix a little balance type orchid fertilizer in the water to keep it growing until next bloom season.  Only use a little (about half the recommended amount) as phalaenopsis do not require lots of it to grow and bloom.  

Keep it in bright indirect sunlight, temperatures between 60F to 85F, humidity above 50% (if possible) along with some light air movement around it.  

One thing to be wary about is the condition of the potting mix to make sure it is not breaking down.  Broken down mixes can cause the roots to die and rot.  One way to tell if it is breaking down is by how long it takes for the mix to become barely moist, if it starts to take longer that could be due to it breaking down and the mix should be replaced with fresh orchid mix.  

It has been a few years since I've been to Las Vegas (the Wynn was still under construction), the Mirage Hotel/Casino had blooming orchids in the hotel entrance.  Wonder if they still do that.  Also, there is a orchid club in the L.V. area, so it definitely is possible to grow orchids there.    

Hope this helped.  Write back if you have other questions or would like more information.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have a few more concerns about my plant.  The lowest leaf is starting to turn yellow, is this just a natural occurrence as the leaves grow old and die.  It doesn't really look like it is dying, it's just yellow.  Another concern I have is that the second lowest flower on each of the two flower spikes is wilting, but none of the others- I just find this odd and it somewhat worries me.

Answer
Hi again Elora,

It all depends!  (grin)  It may just be time for the lowest leaf to go to leaf heaven.  Phalaenopsis leafs will live for about 2-3 years then slowly die.  In the mean time, the phalaenopsis should have made 3 or more new leafs.  Take a look in and around the leaf to see if you can spot anything out of the ordinary such a a blackened area, insects, brown spots, etc.  If you don't find anything, it probably is just old age.  

As for the lowest flowers wilting, it basically is the same as the leaf.  Phalaenopsis flowers may last for several months then slowly wilt and die.  

Hopefully, it is just old age that caused both.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.