Viewing post #771051 by dyzzypyxxy

You are viewing a single post made by dyzzypyxxy in the thread called Broke down and got my first orchid.
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Jan 22, 2015 4:13 PM CST
Name: Elaine
Sarasota, Fl
The one constant in life is change
Amaryllis Tropicals Multi-Region Gardener Orchids Master Gardener: Florida Irises
Herbs Region: Florida Vegetable Grower Daylilies Birds Cat Lover
Nice one, Betsy! Love the colors. As Ken said other than being a Phalaenopsis type, we really can't guess at the name. But that much will tell you how to take care of it. It will most likely only bloom once a year, but the flowers often last for months!

The biggest mistake most people make is keeping them too wet! Orchid roots need air, that's why the medium they're usually potted in is so coarse and chunky. So as Ken also said, be sure the pot drains freely, and let the roots dry out completely between waterings, although it will appreciate a spritz with a spray bottle of plain water to just mist the leaves every day. Only water the root area a good douse once a week. Get a little package of soluble fert (anything that says "orchid" on it) and mix it in the spray bottle at a very weak rate, about 1/4 the strength it says on the box. (for one orchid, a little box will last you a year or two)

Keep in mind that orchids are epiphytes that take a lot of their moisture and nutrients from the air. A whole different animal from your usual terrestrial plants. So when that plant starts sticking new roots out of the pot and up into the air, don't worry, and don't feel you need to bury them. It's doing what it needs to do. The other thing mine do from time to time is the leaves will wrinkle up and look really terrible sometimes. Most people think "I've killed it" and throw the plant away at this point, but they almost always recover from this, and live to bloom and grow another year. Just spritz, don't water until it comes back.

Yes, you will want more once you start with orchids. Just like potato chips. My daughter bought me two Phals some years ago for my birthday, saying "But you live in Florida, why don't you grow orchids . ..??" and I have around 100 now. It was "well,if I'm taking care of two orchids, I may as well have one more . .". Enjoy!
Elaine

"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." –Winston Churchill

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