Help Save This Orchid Please (Phalaenopsis)

A co-worker one this plant at a luncheon and she's just left it at the office to fend for itself. (Not with me around!)






Phalaenopsis orchid ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

The tag says it's an Phalaenopsis. A few of the flowers have died off but there are a couple of new buds. And there appears to be some molding on the roots. And it sure looks root-bound to me. Or do they like it that way?





Phalaenopsis - roots ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )


I have never attempted to grow or maintain an orchid, so I have no idea of what they need.
I'll do some Googling on it, but in the meantime, can you all give me some advice on how to save this beautiful plant?





Phalaenopsis - flower ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

 

First get it out of that closed container. Their roots need air, and never let it sit in water. Probably why you see mold. Think about where they grow in and on trees. rain every day but never sitting in water, either sun in morn or after noon. Just filtered light is best, I brought a couple home from the shop I work at, after they stoped blooming, stuck them under some azaleas and forgot about them months later I saw some purple, pulled back the azalea and the plants were reblooming. They did better than the ones I remember about,. I water the ones at the shop two days a week, soak them good and let drain.

 

I'll get a bigger pot for it.
Isn't there a special "soil" to use for orchids?

 

The soil, is soil less, Bark, large perlite and charcoal, some of our venders that we buy orchids from use straight spamgum moss,I find it breaks down to fast, and stays wet to long,either a pastic pot with a few extra holes in it or a orchid pot. I went to the orchid show here last year, Wow it was amazing, bought a mix that had some clay balls in it. seems to work well, holds moisture with out being wet?

 

I'll look for some of the mix. Thanks for helping!

 

Picked up some of the special mix and a larger container for it. Trimmed off the dead mushy roots and repotted it.
Now... I guess just wait and see if it will live and flower!

 

I believe youve solved the problem already.
Howre they going?
and theyre really beautiful.

 

Either I didn't do something right... or they were too far gone to save. They completely died a couple of weeks ago. :'(

 

Oh how sad.Sounds like you really tried to save this beauty.I'm sorry it died.

 

I've never tried taking care of an orchid before. They seem to be so "needy" to me. But I gave it a try.