Question
about 4 weeks ago i bought an orchid for my friend. it was one stem with 2 smaller stems coming out of it and with about 6-8 white flowers. now 4 weeks later there are no flowers and one ofe the smaller stems has gone yellow! it was watered twice a week as recommended. its potted in bark and hase 4 dark green healthy leaves. and its currently in the bathroom with natural sunlight but not direct in the sun. any ideas, should the stem be cut? help thanks :)  

Answer
Hi,

Sorry for taking so long to respond to your questions, I totally forgot about it.  

You did not mention what type of orchid plant you bought for your friend but I believe it may have been a phalaenopsis orchid from your description.  If it is, here is some information.

Phalaenopsis flowers can last from 6 to 12 weeks, some times even longer.  While your friends only lasted about 4 weeks after you gave it to him, the flowers may have been open for weeks prior to your buying it.  If the flowering stem is turning yellow, you can cut it off down low about an inch or two above the stem base.  

But, you said it is watered twice a week, that might be too often depending upon several factors such as temperature, humidity and air circulation.  It is best to wait until the potting mix becomes barely moist before watering because watering and keeping the mix constantly wet can cause the roots to rot.  If this happens, you will soon see the leaves start to become limp then slowly you will see the leaf surface collapse forming ridges or wrinkles.  

If I am wrong about the type of orchid, write back and I'l try to give you some guidelines on how to care for it.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.