Wilting Flowers

It never changes, every time my orchid blooms start to wilt I get a little depressed.  Even though my blooms have been perfect for 3 1/2 months, it never fails that it upsets me to see them start to die.  But then I think, "well, I'll cut the stem just above the first node below where the first flower bloomed, and in a short while, I will have an entirely new inflorescence with even more lovely blooms!"  I good preventative for this depression, is to have several different varieties of orchids with different blooming schedules and you are good to go, or at least it is less depressing.

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!