Question
QUESTION: Hi I've had a moth Orchid for almost a year now and just moved into a house. The plant had flowers when I got it but they fell off shortly after I took it home when I lived in an appartment. I cut the stem back but it still turned brown and dryed up. The plant had five leaves over the summer when I kept it outside. Then cold weather hit and only 3 leaves were left. But now they have turned limp but still a good color, I recently put fresh potting material in it and the roots looked healthy but some were a bit shriveled. Some one told me that it takes three years to regrow a stem and I was wondering if that was true. If not I was wondering if there is somthing I can do to make it flower in spring? I have it on a plant stand by an east window in my bedroom under a grow lamp about two feet away from it. The plants also sitting on a suacer and I water it about 3 times a week but I always do it in the morning when I mist the leaves. I try and keep the tempiture cooler at night than under the grow lamp but atchieving a 15 deg difference is a bit difficult.
Any ideas on regrowing a stem, I feel like I've tried everything?

ANSWER: Hi Sabrina,

Depending upon the condition of the remaining leaves, your phalaenopsis may or may not survive.  Are the leaves still somewhat plump and firm when squeezed or do they feel a little mushy and soft?  If they are still firm, they will probably survive with some care, but if they are the latter they may be on their way to orchid heaven.  

I would back off watering it so often, 3 times a week is probably too often.  Phalaenopsis roots need to breath and if kept constantly wet they slowly drown and die.  It is best to wait until the potting mix is barely moist before watering again.  Also, I would suggest unpotting it to check the root condition, if the roots are soft and mushy they are dead as live roots will be firm when squeezed.  

An east window exposure is very good for phalaenopsis and having a grow lamp near by even better.  Leave the light on for about 12 hours in winter and about 14 hours in summer.  Temperature wise, keep it above 60F and any temperature above that in which you are comfortable.  In early fall, lower the night temperature to about 55F for 3 weeks to help initiate the bloom cycle.  I'm afraid it probably is a bit late to try this now.  As for requiring 3 years to rebloom it, a well grown phalaenopsis should bloom every year.  

Hope this helped.  If you have additional questions or would like more information about the above, write back and I'll try to help with them.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.



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

QUESTION: Thank you so much for responding but I do have some more questions, I've noticed it's only the oldest leaf that is limp is that normal becuase it is the oldest? Also is it a smart dicision to purchase a small fan and hygrowmeter or is that a bit much? Lastly, is it safe to move the orchid at night to atchieve a temp fluxuation or outside for some fresh air or will that disturb the plant too much?
Again thank you! I'm really trying not to kill this plant and would love to see it bloom finally.

Answer
Hi again Sabrina,

If it is only the lowest leaf that is going limp, that is not unusual as it may just be time for it to go.  Phalaenopsis leaves will live for about 3 years then slowly die because it has served its purpose of keeping the plant alive.  The main thing is that it is making new leafs every 4 to 6 months and that they grow to be as large or larger than the older leafs.  

A small fan would be helpful but do not direct it directly onto the phal, what you want to do is direct it above or away and create a slight breeze around it.  Keep in mind that more air movement will cause the potting mix to dry quicker.  To me, a hygrometer is nice but more of a luxury for just a few orchids.  But, if you want one go ahead and get it because it will make you more comfortable in knowning when to water.  

It is okay to move it when there is not stem or spike growing, once it does, try to keep it facing the same towards the light source.  Flowers open facing the direction of the light and if you do not place it back in the exact same light orientation, the flowers will open facing different directions.  

I would be a little leery of putting it outdoors for cool night temperatures, all it would take is to be exposed to temperatures below 50F for an hour to cause damage.  If you have a room that tends to be cooler at night, you might put it in there.  I close the heater vents in a room, put the phals in it then close the door.  The rest of the house stays above 60F but that room gets into the mid 50s at night.  

I hope it does make blooms for you as a reward for all your loving care.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.