Question
my fiance bought this plant for me last mothers day it was in the middle of blooming, after blossomed I cut the spike, since then I have had no luck getting it to flower again, there are 4 new leaves and plenty ariel roots. I checked for root rot.  and it doesn't appear to have the signs. it came planted in what looks to be moss. any ideas why its not coming back?? thanks!

Answer
Hello Jesykah,

There can be many reasons for why your phalaenopsis orchid has not rebloomed since Mother's Day last year.  The most common reason is that it is not happy where or how it is growing.  Phalaenopsis prefer bright indirect sunlight, temperatures between 60F to 85F, humidity above 50% and some light air movement around it.  Watering should be done when the potting media becomes barely moist and fed a balance type orchid fertilizer once in a while.  

Another possiblity is the moss that it is planted in.  Moss tends to remain wet for quite some time even though the top might look dry, it may still be pretty wet within the pot.  This is what can cause root rot, if you unpotted it and removed the moss you might find rotten mushy roots.  

Unfortunately, it probably is too late to get it to rebloom for you this year.  During the next year, try to place it where it will receive the conditions noted at the beginning.  

Hope this helps.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.