Care of orchid

[Marijn]

I've had an orchid for 14 weeks now. I soak and drain it every week, and it has been doing beautifully, but today I noticed that a couple of the flowers are shrivelling. Is that right? How long should the flowers last? Thank you

[Hawkwalk]

it depends on which type of orchid it is and how old it was when you got it. I am going to guess at Phalaenopsis as they are the most common. 14 weeks is about right in an average house before the first flowers will begin to die, especially now that the central heating is on. You can get them to re-flower if you want to. Just cut the stem back by about one third, just above a notch and a new flower stem will grow.

[NazNomad]

I have to add, what a superb answer ^^^

[Marijn]

I'm really not used to looking after plants, so not entirely sure where I should cut them. I had it as a present, I don't know how old it was when I got it, but it was bought for me. It has fifteen lilac-coloured flowers on it. It has a new leaf coming at the bottom and a new shoot. Thank you for your answer.

[Hawkwalk]

if you can post a photo I can tell you which type it is and what to do with it

[Marijn]

I googled a picture of one. . . .
http://www.allposters.com/IMAGES/IMA/23048.jpg
I hope it worked.
Thank you.

[Hawkwalk]

yes, that is a Phalaenopsis

[A.Guest]

Is it best to use rainwater for orchids?

[Hawkwalk]

I have never noticed a problem using tap water so not an issue but rainwater is ok if you have it.

[A.Guest]

Thanks Hawkwark

[Marijn]

Hi Hawkwalk, do I still need to cut it's stem even though it's growing a new shoot of it's own? Thank you for your answers.