Cymbidium

» syp - Ailing Cymbidium

My significant other purchased for me a beautiful cymbidium orchid for valentine's day (red and white). We know little about caring for orchids. At the time it was purchased, the plant was in a 6" plastic container and in full bloom, and we were told not to replant until after spring. We live in Tacoma Washington which gets few sunny days this time of year. I placed the plant on an eastern facing window sill. I have watered it 1-2 times a week (never soaking it), and have fertilized it (schultz's) a couple of times. The temperature in the room hovers between 68 and 75 degrees and the humidity is approximately 60%. In the last several days, I have noticed the tips of some of the flowers have turned brown and brittle. In some of the affected flowers, this has spread to all of the petals and to the bud itself. Not all of the flowers have been affected, however. Also, as I was examining the plant's leaves this morning, I noticed three of them have small brownish/black spots. Yesterday, we drilled several small holes in the plastic pot so the plant could breathe and we soaked it with plain water.

Help! I fear I may have done something to distress this plant, or that it may have a disease.

Any thoughts?

-- posted by syp

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