Question
About 3 weeks ago, I received a moth orchid in a glass vase filled with a rocky / grassy-like media. Since then I've researched how to care for it by avoiding over-watering, temperature specifications, indirect light etc. However, this week the flowers have begun to fall off on one of the three tall stems. Each stem holds about 6 flowers. How do I know if the flowers falling off is a normal process or if the plant is deficient in some aspect? I was also advised not to over-water but after 10 days the soil was not dry and I watered anyway because the watering recommendation I read about quoted 7-10 days.  What are your recommendations to improve longevity of the orchid plant?

Answer
Hello Daniella,

Oops, thought I had already answered your question but it appears I have not since it still in listed as not having been answered.  

Phalaenopsis orchid flowers should last upwards of 2 months and even longer unless something has happened to cause them to die early.  One thing that can cause them to die early is fruits close by.  Ripening fruits produce a gas that is deadly to flowers.  Also, sudden changes of temperature can cause it.  

To help keep the orchid plant alive, it would be a good idea to repot it into some standard orchid media after all the flowers are gone.  

Hope this helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.