Is my Orchid sick? (photo)?

I bought it about a week ago and it had three open flowers, which closed up yesterday, so i clipped them off... I don't even know if I was supposed to do that? So, the other unopened flowers are now turning yellow, which I'm assuming is a bad thing.



(unopened/yellow flowers)

http://i32.tinypic.com/18hbv7.jpg

(bloomed flowers that closed and i cut, stalks turning yellow)

http://i26.tinypic.com/2hd4ocp.jpg



My guess is that it's dying already, but someone told me that it was just dry. though the bark was still moist, i submersed the roots in water, drained it, and placed it back on the rocks-over-water thing it has. it was the first time i had watered it since buying it. the plant has 'air roots' and the bottom leaves are green and healthy, so i thought it was doing alright, until the yellowness started about two days ago. is there something i'm doing wrong?

Is my Orchid sick? (photo)?
Orchids need extremely good drainage while at the same time, high humidity. The planting medium must be very coarse %26amp; acidic. Gentily remove it from its medium %26amp; examin the roots to see if they are rotten or are coated in a white, powdery substance. If so, properly mix a mild fungacide with the correct amount of water in an old , clean windex spray bottle %26amp; spray the roots or coat them in fungicidal powder. Keep the root exposed %26amp; treat as directed. Maintain moisture by misting root %26amp; leaves several times throughout the day. When root appears healed, replant in medium (that is if it was originally in a medium-a good medium can be made up of wood chips,pearlite,sphagnum moss %26amp; activated carbon-all in very coarse grade. Fill a small, shallow tray with pebbles or marbles %26amp; water. Place the potted plant on top of pebbles to maintain proper humidity level. Place in bright indirect light in an area with good air circulation. You can spray fertilize with Miracid at 1/4 strength. Good luck!
Reply:It's time to bloom just might be over. If it is to lose it's flowers, wait to cut it back. (The Stalk) It might re-bloom new flowers. Many of mine have. Then after about a month, cut the stalk back only to where the first flower grew on it.It should sprout a new flower bud. After flowering, they go into a sleeping stage. Do not feed them at this time,but continue to feed once it has started growing again. Do not transplant for about 11/2 - 2 years.Water only once a week by filling the sink with water all the way to the top of the rim of the pot,and let soak for fifteen minutes. Use only warm water,never cold. It should be alright. If the color is a real dark green, then that means it is sick .I wouldn't worry. Byee
Reply:Try this site. At the bottom it talks about "bud blasting" which could be what you have.

http://www.orchidweb.com/phalcare.aspx
Reply:No - it's not 'sick'.



Just a natural reaction to being moved out of the growing area into a completely different environment.



Cut the flower spike all the way off - repot into a slightly larger pot.



See source for more information and instructions.
Reply:Looks like it is aborting its flowers, may have been shocked from different light conditions or probably could have been lack of water in the root zone or humidity in the air.



As long as the leaves and stems stay healthy it should flower again next year. The stems are like the humps on camels and should be fat and full of water. If they start to wrinkle the plant has problems with its roots and not enough soil moisture.



I normally water my new orchids every second day, sometimes more often depending on the temperature.



As long as the potting mix lets the water run out, you should be able to water quite frequently until the plant settles in and then you can water once or twice a week.