Orchid Care

No matter what I do, they simply die on me. Every time.

What is the secret of keeping an orchid alive in our area? I follow the directions on watering and put the plant even close to the shower for a little bit to get some humidity going on...What am I doing wrong or am I simply an orchid killer?

cabameyers said:

No matter what I do, they simply die on me. Every time.




What is the secret of keeping an orchid alive in our area? I follow the directions on watering and put the plant even close to the shower for a little bit to get some humidity going on...What am I doing wrong or am I simply an orchid killer?

I assume that you are talking about Phalaenopsis ('moth' orchid), the most common type seen in the stores. Send me a PM with your email, and I will send you:

a. The American Orchid Society 'grow sheet'.

b. A draft for an article I have written on how to take care of orchids at home.

Thank you!!!

Just sent you a pm with my info.

my problem is persistent infestation with scale mites. Again, no matter what I do or spray, they come back. Suggestions? (I've asked the local nursery, and followed their instructions but the mites return. This is killing my once lush plant, a birthday present just a few months ago)

The orchid in the photo looks to be healthy, it does appear that the buds fell off before opening which could be from a few things

. Did you buy the plant in bud and they fell off when you brought it home? If so the change in environment can cause flowers and bud to drop.

Is this plant from a big box store or grocery store? I feel these plants are sometimes doomed before you by them. Most are grown in tropical countries and flown to the US for sale. The change from tropic to shipping, to store, then to a home is stressful. When exposed to this the plant can shut down and go dormant until conditions stabilize. Sellers also pack them in moss to keep them damp during travel, but once they arrive at the store they get watered more often which will rot the roots.

I would remove the flower spikes, cutting them back close to the plant. Then I would check the potting mix, coarse pine bark that drains freely works pretty well in this area. The pot needs drainage, the pot in the photo looks like it may not have a hole in the bottom? I like a clay pot with a single hole in the bottom. When watering I put my finger over the hole and fill with water, wait about 30 sec. then let the water drain. I do this once a week. To increase humidity I will sometimes sit the pot inside a taller vase with some water at the bottom, but the water in the vase should not touch the pot holding the plant. As the water evaporates it will rise through the plant.

It's best to start with a healthy plant in the first place, raised locally, they will be better adapted to life in our area. There is a orchid show next weekend in the Homdel NJ about 45 min away.