Question
QUESTION: I'm new at this entire orchid element,so i was desiring you could possibly describe me where along with how to repot this very elegant and beautiful flower??I wouldn't fancy to injure this orchid at all.That's why i'm asking you.They have always been my favorite plant and i never had one so i finally obtained one.
ANSWER: Hello Alexis,

Congratulations upon your first orchid!  

Orchids are fairly easy to grow as long as you select ones that will be happy in your growing environment.  The problem many people have and the reason they say orchids are difficult to grow is because they try to grow the orchid under conditions the orchids are not happy with.  

You did not mention what type of orchid you bought nor where you live so it is difficult for me to tell you what to do.  If you can write back with the name (might be on a label or tag in the pot) and where you live and I'll try to help with some suggestions.  If there is no tag in the pot, try describing the plant and flower and I might be able to guess what it is.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.

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QUESTION: hello Jim kawasaki.I live in southwest Florida and i bought the phalaenopsis.I actually have a question.My orchid has buds growing ,but this morning when i woke up one of the buds came off!!like it just fell off !!WHAT DO I DO?????
ANSWER: Hi again Alexis!  

If your phalaenopsis orchid is in bud, do not repot it as I suggested in the earlier note until it has finished blooming.  

An unopened bud falling off could be caused by several things.  But first, are all of the other buds looking okay or are they looking a little wilted and droopy?  If one or more buds look wilty, are there some fruits close by?  If there are fruits close by, either move them or the phal. to another place.  Ripening fruits produce ethylene gas which can be deadly to phalaenopsis buds and flowers.  Another possible cause is too sudden a temperature change where it changes more than 10 degrees such as from a heater or air conditioner vent near by.  Lastly, if it is in direct hot sunlight, especially in the afternoon.  

Hope this helped.  

Jim

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QUESTION: I just wanted to say thank you so much.It helped alot.i did actually did have it next to my fruit bowl but i moved it before you told me because i redecorated my apartment and yes the other buds of my flower are okay.The one that fell was dry and brown the other ones are now a very beautiful white and pinkish yellow.THANKS AGAIN.You are a very nice person.

Answer
Hi Alexis,

You're welcome!  Just glad I could help.  

Thanks for the kind words!  Maybe I'll show them to my wife so she will know what a nige guy I am!!  (LOL)  Actually, after 37 years of marriage, I think she already knows that.  (grin)  

Jim