I am getting really excited because my very large Vanda is about to bloom, along with five of my cattleyas, so there will be plenty of color around my home for the next few months. You should be watering most types once maybe twice a week now in the summer months, and misting everyday. Ventilation is key also, but when you have a fan on the plants, it can dry them out faster, so test the weight of those pots every other day, if they feel really light, then it is time to water. If the feel very heavy after 3 or 4 days, then it might not be draining properly, and you might need to change potting soil, or drill another hole in the bottom of your pot.
Recently, I had a pot that was not draining very well at all, and it turns out that two large pieces of fir bark had lodged in the drain holes, preventing any water from escaping. I noticed it when I was watering and the medium began floating and water poured over the top of the pot. Your's might not be so obvious, so check the weight weekly if not more often. If you have a drill, then you can purchase special drill bits for glass or ceramic, and can drill additional holes if needed. I save money by buying pots without holes and drill my own. I am talking about $10.00 additional per pot for holes predrilled. Hey every penny counts, am I right? Have not written in a while, but it feels good. Till next time, Happy Blooms! Ask me anything, and I will get you an answer!
Brandon Abshire
The Orchid Whisperer
Large Phalaenopsis with 4 Inflorescences, still blooming while other blooms are wilting!
Hey Orchid Whisperer,
ReplyDeleteWhat do I do if the bloom stem withers and turns brown after I cut off the dead blooms?
Hey Christine!
ReplyDeleteYou are my first question......yeah! First we need to determine what type of orchid you have, most likely a phalaenopsis. If the stem is wilting and turning brown along with the blooms, then you need to cut it back to the first node (bump) on the stem where it is still green. After that, make a paste of cinnamon and water, and slather it on the cut. This will keep out infection and disease. If you have a dendrobium or cymbidium, then it is natural for the stem to die after the blooms are finished. You can remove them by cutting all the way down to where they originate, and apply the cinnamon and water mixture, or you can just let them fall off naturally. I prefer to cut them just because of the aesthetics. Send a picture to abdude9@comcast.net, and I can help you even further. Thanks for the comment Christine!
The Orchid Whisperer
Brandon Abshire