Hi everyone,

I am posting on behalf of my sister in Rexburg, she has a Phalaenopsis orchid that I got for her as a present for one of the plays she was in.

It's been about a month or so, with no problem.

She sent me these pictures today, and apparently there is a problem with the orchid.





She's been watering it once a week, but she didn't realize that there were no drainage holes in the pot. I probably should've repotted it for her before giving it to her. It has been in bright, indirect sunlight.

I gave her detailed instructions, and everything seemed to work out fine at first. However, I don't know what the problem is now.

Can someone help me figure this out?

Jared

The first thing you should consider is that orchids (phalenopsis blooms many months, but not indefinitely. all the flowers die off and the spike is left as a bare branch. Once you are ready cut that off near its base.
You could have over watered. The bast thing is to remove it from the catch pot and dump the old water and see how it goes. You could check the roots, but just letting it dry out on its own might be proper here. The stuff it is in needs to remain somewhat damp though. Do not let it dry out until it is papery dry.
See how that goes.

As mentioned, the pot has no drainage holes, so it probably was overwatered. And - perhaps it it simply done blooming.

Thanks for getting back. I appreciate it. So we should just cut off the spike at the base, then?

We will also make sure it doesn't get too much water.

Thanks for the help,

Jared

I would remove the outer pot! And take a good look at the roots.

Ursula said: I would remove the outer pot! And take a good look at the roots.

We will do that, thank you.