---
title: "Help!! One of my friends just gave me this orchid, but it’s in pretty…"
description: "Help!! One of my friends just gave me this orchid, but it’s in pretty bad condition. It it long gone or can it be saved? If so, any suggestions?"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/6490e1bee64300e25a29e66e"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Kat"
published: "2023-06-19T23:16:14.167Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/i3C-6DhBhhx8FZ9z3g52QHE74gmis0K17zsoZ1FUViY/ee1c2a774e754ee28e16e7d8991a39f5.webp?size=large"
---

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# Help!! One of my friends just gave me this orchid, but it’s in pretty…

_Posted by Kat on 2023-06-19_

Help!! One of my friends just gave me this orchid, but it’s in pretty bad condition. It it long gone or can it be saved? If so, any suggestions?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/i3C-6DhBhhx8FZ9z3g52QHE74gmis0K17zsoZ1FUViY/ee1c2a774e754ee28e16e7d8991a39f5.webp?size=large)

## 5 comments

### COsuperfly commented on 2023-06-20

It’s not too bad IMO. Some say cut down the flower spikes, others say leave them and they might reflowed.

### Mich. commented on 2023-06-20

Cut back the stems and anything that is dead. Make sure the soil can breathe and drain. Only water once a week with 3 ice cubes

### Mike commented on 2023-06-20

How do the roots look

### MeasomerPi commented on 2023-06-20

It looks to be in good shape. The leaves appear to be firm which is a good sign. Don’t worry about the flowers. It’s normal for them to fade and the spike to die back. Typically phals flower once a year, but the flowers tend to last for several months. Sometimes you can get a second bloom as COsuperfly alluded to. I like to let my plants rest and gather their strength for next year’s show.

Typically when you get a phal from a grower, it comes in tightly packed sphagnum, which isn’t great for the home hobbyist. I would recommend repotting. Orchids want water but they love for their roots to dry out. The best way to ensure that is using a course and airy mix. I use orchid bark because I am a heavy waterer. If your more judicious with the water, you can add sphagnum to the mix.

When you repot, remove any dead roots. They are brown or black, papery or mushy. Healthy roots are firm, green when dry and silvery when dry.

I like to soak my plants for 10-15min when the media drys out. I don’t use fertilizer at 1/4 strength each time I water.

Orchids are pretty straight forward plants as long AD you remember they like to dry out. Good luck!

### Carrie commented on 2023-06-21

I agree that your orchid looks good. The flowers eventually have to die off but with proper care it will rebloom.

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