I have been growing orchids for about 4-5 years now, and I have really found the "magic touch" only in the past 2 years. I killed many of my first orchids, although some died so quickly that it was not likely healthy to begin with. (the lesson being: don't buy orchids at Home Depot!) All of my phalaenopsis in the first year died, usually the leaves would turn yellow, drop and the whole plant would die. This was usually caused by rotting roots- nearly everyone over-waters their orchids when they start growing.
The other main cause of death for my initial collection of about 15 plants was a 3 month period of total neglect during a time when I was too occupied with other things. Only 2 survived that and they are very hardy and bloom very often still.
The above pictures are of three of my favorite orchids that are now dead.
The 1st is: Sarcochilius hartmanii- I bought this in Hawaii, it is a cooler grower, which is my excuse for over-watering it and rotting the roots.
2nd is: NOID phal. (NOID= no I.D. - the tag has been lost, or it never came with a name) This one really bummed me out- my 2nd or 3rd orchid ever.
3rd is: Burrangea 'Stephan Isler'- this was just crazy vigorous when I bought it, but 2 summers ago it went down hill fast. One possible reason is that the summer temps. were too high for it. Apparently some of the hybrids in it's background are cooler growers.
So let this be a lesson to all newbie orchid growers- you will kill many plants before you can master the skill of keeping most alive and getting them to bloom. Don't give up!!!
-Meg Kline
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