Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I was given a Phalaenopsis orchid as a gift about two months ago.  It was doing fine but all of the flowers have shriveled up and fallen off but two (which are starting to shrivel), and during the last week one part of the stem has turned brown-yellow and dry (the color is spreading down the stem).  The leaves seem to be OK.  Is this a fungal infection?  How can I tell and what is the treatment?

Thank you very much,

Kristina

ANSWER: Hi Kristina,

If it is only the flowers that are shriveling and falling off, that is okay.  Also, the stem the were on turning brown just means that it also is dying off now that the flowers have all died.  Cut off the stem as low as you can, leaving an inch or two of the stem.  That little stump will eventually turn brown but the plant itself should stay green.  

It will be next year before it will produce a new stem and flowers.  Until then, place it where it will receive bright but indirect sunlight, temperatures between 60F to 85F, humidity above 50%, some light air movement around it.  Water and feed it when the potting mix becomes barely moist.  

Hope this answered your question.  If you would like more information or more about what is above, write back and I'll try to help with them.  It is helpful to know where you live so I can tailor my response to your general climate.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.


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

QUESTION: Hi,

Thanks for your answer! Just to clarify, I should cut off the entire stem (all of which is brown now) so the only part of the plant that's left is the leaves?

I live in Massachusetts--it's very humid, but sometimes there are temperature fluxes.  I've been watering/feeding it about once a month.

Thanks again,

Kristina

Answer
Hi Kristina,

Yes, remove the dried out stem by cutting it about an inch or two from the bottom.  

Although it might be very humid in Massachusetts, watering/feeding it once a month is probably not often enough.  Water when the potting mix is almost dry, you can check this by lifting the pot and when it feels somewhat light is the time to water.  This can be any where from every 4 days to 14 days depending upon season, temperature, air movement around it, etc.  Phalaenopsis do not require lots of fertilizer so feed it about 1/2 the amount suggested on the container.  

If you have any other questions, write back and I'll try to help with them.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.