Have sticky leaves on one phalenophsis orchid, black tiny bug? Or scale, it seems like, on underside of leaves. I can clean it off with fingernail, but always comes back. How can I prevent this? I'm keeping this one separated from other orchids. Not happening on adjacent varieties of house plants in window.
Unfortunately your photo did not come through. I will be unable to identify your pest. It does sound like scale, by the description. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm
I have an indoor orchid that has a main shoot about to flower. It started to grow another shoot, which has become brown and soft over the past few days and I don’t know why. The rest of the plant looks healthy - the roots, leaves and flower buds are all fine. Is it pouring all of its growing energy into the shoots? It’s placed in bright light and gets some direct sun and has been in the same place for 6 months.
It could be a few different things.
I'm not sure where you are located, but Phalaenopsis Orchids will not flower, fully, until it receives AT LEAST 12 hours a day of pitch black, darkness. No light Whatsoever.
They are also not suited for full sun, but can handle some window light. They are best suited for dappled light.
They need fertilizer at least once per month, but do best with a foliar spray feeding of 1/2 strength orchid fertilizer spray once every two weeks.
Under, and overwatering are very common. They need to remain moist, in an orchid mix instead of potting soil. Potting soil will kill them by suffocation and too much of the wrong nutrients. They also require a lot dryer conditions prior to setting bloom, without letting them dry out completely.
This article will help you to care for these orchids: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/indoor-orchid-care.htm
I inherited two moth orchids which almost immediately came into bloom and both have two stems, so you would think they are happy and healthy. However, they look awful as they have a huge amount of dried out aerial roots and I presume they need repotting. I have done this successfully before but I am not even sure where to start with these two, as I am unsure what to do with all this old aerial stuff! Any advice greatly accepted!
Repotting can, certainly, help them when done correctly. I would encourage you to sift through these articles for information on how to do this properly, as well as caring for them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/orchid-planting-mediums.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/repotting-orchid-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/phalaenopsis-orchids-post-bloom.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/roots-coming-from-plant.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/beginner-orchid-growing.htm
Hello. So basically I have a phalenopsis orchid and it had two stems. One of them was regrowing and forming flowers again. The other was dead. My daughter, a complete space cadet sometimes XD, accesentially cut off the growing stem instead of the dead one. We both noticed that the stem she cut had a little Keiki growing on it. We put the stem in a vase and it actually grew flowers! But now the stem is on its way out. The Keiki on the other hand is still there growing and healthy. I am worried that the Keiki will die because the stem has too. Any suggestions? I have also read the article about growing Keikis and ours is not ready to be cut yet. Thank you so much! Marielle
After doing research, I read the plantlet should not be removed till it has leaves and roots. Removing it too soon can weaken the plantlet and cause it to die. Since yours is on a stem in water, I would try to keep the stem alive as long as possible. Change the water every day or two to prevent bacteria buildup. You also can recut the stem at a 45 degree angle to increase water uptake. Hopefully the plantlet will continue to grow before the stem fades.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/orchid-keiki-care.htm
A friend cut the stem off after the bloom of each. I took them to try to get them to rebloom but no luck. What do you suggest
This article suggests that with the most common strains of Phalaenopsis, it's OK to cut the stems back when the bloom is finished. There are also instructions on how to rebloom your plant. Enjoy your orchids.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/phalaenopsis-orchids-post-bloom.htm
I noticed that on of the flowers on an orchid plant seems to be some kind of siamese twin. I was just wondering if this rare and of interest, as I have scant knowledge of these things. I attach a photo. Thanks.
It isn't extremely common, but it does happen. The flower is probably sterile, and won't produce seeds but is nice to look at.
It may show up again, or you may never see the trait again.
This collection of articles will help you with orchid care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/category/ornamental/flowers/orchids
My phal orchid has two little ‘buds’ on the tip of the flower spike but, they didn’t bloom. What are they and should I keep the spike or trim it back?
Keiki!!! Its the start of a new baby orchid clone. It is propagating a copy of itself.
Wait until it is fully formed, and looks like a miniature plant. Then you can transplant it into its own container.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/orchid-keiki-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/how-to-plant-an-orchid-keiki.htm