Question
Hi, I received my first orchid for my birthday in September. It started with one
flower in full bloom, and 6 more bloomed as well. Today one [the first one i
believe] turn a bit brown and light at the stem and fell off. Some look
beautiful still, but others are getting some brownish black spots near the
corners of the petals look as if they may wilt eventually. I am wondering if
this is the normal evolution of my flowers dying or if my orchid is actually
dying? I water between 1-2 times a week, although I have not yet fertilized it.
I keep it near the window in my room were there is a rice curtain that lets in a
lot of light. Please let me know what I am doing wrong, and if there is
anything I can do to save it if indeed it is dying. Thanks.  

Answer
Hi Bonnie,

Most phalaenopsis flowers will last upwards of 2 months, sometimes longer.  So it may just be time for yours to begin dying off due to old age.  

One thing you might want to change is how often you water it.  Phalaenopsis orchids prefer becoming barely moist between waterings, so watering twice a week might be too often.  Try lifting the pot before you water the next time and if the pot still feels somewhat heavy that would indicate that it is still fairly wet from the last watering.  The reason you should wait is because if the potting mix is kept constantly moist, this can cause the roots to rot and without healthy live roots your phal. will slowly go down hill.  

Do you have any fertilizer that is recommended for orchids?  Although phals. do not require lots of fertilizer to grow and bloom, a little once in a while is helpful to keep it growing.  If you do not have any right now, look for a balance type fertilizer that is recommended for orchids and use 1/2 the amount suggested.  

Hope this helped.  Good luck and good growing.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.