Question
Hi,
I received an orchid plant for my birthday 2 weeks ago.  I'm not sure what kind of orchid it is but here's a picture; maybe you will recognize it:
<a href="http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i74/MVHuston/Room/room006.jpg">My orchid</a>

The flowers have started wilting dramatically in just the past few days. The instructions said to water it ever 5 to 7 days and I have.  It said to keep it out of direct sunlight so I put it up on my shelf, next to my window.  I live in NYC...I don't know if that has anything to do with anything.  Am I doing something wrong?  

Answer
Hello Chanel,

The photo helped a lot!  Thanks.  

What you have is a phalaenopsis orchid - a nice one!  Phal. flowers can last upwards of 3 months, then wilt and fall off.  You've had it for 2 weeks but if they had been open for some time before you got it, it may just be time for them to fall off.  With that said, premature wilting can be caused by several factors such as ripening fruits nearby, stagnant air, temperatures too cold or too hot, lack of water, very low humidity plus a few other lesser reasons.  Look at where you have it and see if one or more of thses is present, and if there are, either move the phal. or move the cause.  

Hope this helps.  Good luck.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.