Question
Hi, I have a phalaenopsis that I got a month ago.  It has been blooming spectacularly but in the last four or five days, one of the two stalks (?) has turned yellowish-brown and the flowers wilted.  The other side remains healthy.  Now, the end that had been growing on the yellow side has turned black and it seems to be a goner... is there any way I can save it?  I suspect inadequate sunlight may have been the culprit since the yellow side was partially obscured behind my vertical blinds. =( =( Help!

Answer
Hi Melissa,

If the parts that have turned brown are the flower stalk, there is nothing to worry about as that is what usually happens when the flowers have died off.  The other stalk may be newer than the first one to die, it will do the same after a while.  

What I suggest you do is to cut off the stalk as low as you can, leaving about an inch or two of the stalk.  Do the same with the second stalk when it loses its flowers.  

It will be next year before it produces new stalks and blooms, so be patient and care for it until then.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.