Question
i've been maintaining care for my orchids as instructed by the plant information that comes with each new pot.  but the orchids in my care keep dying, dying, dying.  i've been watering them once a week, giving them plant food every other week.  is there something that i am doing wrong?

Answer
Hello Jane,

I'm sorry to hear about your plight, but don't feel alone as I hear this same thing from quite a few people.  

You didn't mention where you live and what kind of orchid(s) you've had, that would have been helpful in deciding what the problem(s) are and how you should fix them.  With that said, the most common cause for an orchid plant to die is overwatering.  With most orchids, it is best to wait until the potting mix is barely moist before watering again.  What I like to do is lift the pot to determine if it needs to be watered, if it feels somewhat light then it is time to water but if it still feels sort of heavy then I wait.  Watering by a set schedule usually does not work well, what with seasonal changes in temperature and day length, etc.  When temperatures are warm there is a need for more frequent watering and when it is cool less watering.  In adddition, orchids kept indoors have a whole other set of things affecting them, such as the heater in winter and maybe an air conditioner in summer, both can dry the air in the home.  

Now on to other things that can affect the health of your orchids.  Orchids require some basic things in order to grow and bloom; namely water, air, light, humidity and food.  Sort of sounds like us humans doesn't it.  (grin)  But depending upon what kind of orchid you have will determine how much of each it needs.  Some orchids need mostly shade while others need as much sunlight as possible, the same goes for water and food but all orchids need air or air movement.  Most orchids like humid air around them with 50% or higher being best.  If your orchids are indoors, try placing them on a plastic tray filled with pebbles and keep some water in it to create some humidity.  As for the air or air movement, it is best to place your orchids where they will be subjected to some light air movement during the day and night.  Lastly, I would recommend feeding your orchids a balance type fertilizer that is recommended for orchids and to use it at 1/2 the amount listed on the container.  

Oh, almost forgot.  When you water your orchids, it is always best to do so in the morning.  Watering late in the day may leave some water droplets on the plant and, if it remains there overnight, can be a prime breeding environment for fungus and bacteria to grow.  You can tell if these are affecting your orchid as it will look like a black sooty area on the leaves.  If you see this on the leaves, try to remove it as soon as possible, if allowed to grow and spread it can kill your orchid.  Use a little isopropyl alcohol on a Q-tip to get rid of it.  

My goodness, I've been going on and on, haven't I.  (grin)  I hope this has helped a little.  If you have any questions about the above or new questions, please ask and I'll try to answer them.  

Good luck and good growing.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.