My wife, while in the hospital a few months ago, received a beautiful Phalaenopsis orchid in bloom with a tag that said only care needed was an application of three ice cubes every week. We followed this instruction and the plant bloomed until just recently when the rest of the blooms dropped off - leaving two long bare stems.The plant has developed a new leaf of fairly good size and the plants looks healthy. We would like to take care of it and hopefully have it rebloom. But I know next to nothing about caring for orchids and would appreciate as much help as I can get. Just read a couple of postings under the Orchid forum relative to ice cubes.
Questions?
(1) Should application of ice cubes be terminated? If so, what advice about watering -
how often and what temp of water?
(2) Fertilizer - how often and what kind? I have Miracle Gro on hand.
(3) What is average (normal) time between blooming for this type orchid?
(4) Should the long bare stems upon which the blooms were on be cut off? If so at the
base, or where?
Any other suggestions would me sincerely appreciated.
