I had a beautiful orchid that lost it's bloom and eventually lost all it's leaves. I heard not to over water them so I may have let it go too dry. The stalk is starting to turn light brown. My brother claims his did the same and it will come back. Is it a gonner? And yes, I have been using fertilizer in the water.

Hi! jillnaples06

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Originally Posted by jillnaples06

I had a beautiful orchid that lost it's bloom and eventually lost all it's leaves.

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It is probably going into a dormant stage, where this activity is normal.

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Originally Posted by jillnaples06

I heard not to over water them so I may have let it go too dry. The stalk is starting to turn light brown.

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Once every week to ten days is sufficient. They also like a lite misting now and then. Is the browning starting where the bloom was? This is normal.

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Originally Posted by jillnaples06

My brother claims his did the same and it will come back. Is it a gonner??

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No, not yet. Keep it away from A/C vents (they like temps in the 75 to 85° range) Full to partial Sun. Follow your brother's lead.

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Originally Posted by jillnaples06

And yes, I have been using fertilizer in the water.

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You may have giving it too much fert, back off to every 2nd or 3rd watering.

Was the fertilizer for orchids or just a generic?
Generic is okay as long as it's balanced (14-14-14).

As you notice the bloom shoot starting, you could go to 10-20-10, but once you see the bud starting, stop all fert until the plant stops blooming.

This site will give you good info on your orchid Orchid Care Tips

K

I will try it... Thanks!

Your welcome... Let us know how your doing with it, in a couple of weeks or so...

K