The Orchid Source - Orchid Forum

I bought this beautiful plant on Monday. It is about 2 feet tall including base. After just one day of having the plant the petals are getting green spots and it seems decaying. Some petals are also really soft, not firm how they were when I got it. I haven't watered it yet because the soil is still rather damp. I have it in my window all during the day, however since I am in Iowa and it's winter there is a constant over cast and the flower has yet to see the sun.

Here is what I am working with right now. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I do not want to have to throw away this $40 plant before my girlfriend can even see it, and I want to give her a healthy plant. Thanks again.

Hi Tyler, welcome to the forum. Are there any unopened buds? Has the plant spent any significant time under 55 degrees or above 85 degrees (have a baseboard heater under the window?) I most assuredly would not throw the plant away but the flowers look to be on the way out. Typically the flowers can be quite long lasting but with-out knowing how long the plant was in full bloom before you purchased it it could be the natural progression due to the age of the flowers.

I just bought orchid bark and replanted the plant. It was planted in moss and the roots were rotting away. Hopefully there is still time to turn it around.

Unfortunately root mush is an all to common occurrence some times. I've saved a few from Trader Joe's though I dont admit it very often. Good luck with that gift, hope it holds out long enough for you GF to enjoy it.

when you repotted it, what'd you put it in? more sphag?