h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

B'el recommended you to me with regard to Orchids.

I have two. One is over five years old, regularly flowers, and has leaves. The other one was bought two weeks ago, was pot bound, and has since lost all it's leaves but is still flowering. Will the new one grow leaves again? (I don't think the old one has ever grown 'new' leaves)

Any advise would be appreciated.

Hi Magwitch.
Do you know what kind of orchid it is? Is it one of these <./>A10177067</.> ?
To be honest any orchid without leaves is going to struggle, but if it is a moth orchid all is not lost. If you can tell what kind it is, i'll be better able to help.

It's a Phalaenopsis, apparently. Sorry, I should have said that earlier.

Ok, there is a good chance it will recover. Not sure whats happened to it, but it sounds like some water might have got into the crown before it came to you, hence the leaves dropping of. Put it into a cool room and cut off any flower spikes it might still have. Give it just enough water once a fortnight and let it dry out between watering. At the same time as watering give it a little orchid food and wait. If it's going to recover you should see some small sign of life within a month or so. If nothing happens check the roots are still alive, if they are still grey or green they are alive and it's just a matter of waiting.
Good luck.
If you need any more help give me a shout.

Thank you, I'll give that a go. I hate killing things.

I'll keep you posted, if that's ok.

Yes of course it is, i'd love to hear how it's doing.