First Cattleya and phal cross

[luvmyorchid]

So I just ordered a lc Tokyo magic Cattleya and an ascps Irene dobkin Elmhurst. They are both coming in bark in 4 inch pots. What so I need to do if anything when I get them. They are shipping 2 day air from Hawaii to Massachusetts? I'm new to or hids but I have successfully rescued a few grocery store phales that I've gotten to rebloom. Thanks in advance!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

It depends. What do you know about growing orchids?

[luvmyorchid]

Well I have been successful in rehabing phals with root rot ,repotting, and switching from moss to bark. I have never mail ordered an orchid before so I guess I'm a little concerned about the stress of travel for them. I read that the Elmhurst is difficult to grow but the grower claimed it to be easy? I plan on keeping them separate from my other plants at first but not sure for how long?

[aliceinwl]

I got an Elmhurst as my first Cattleya as a somewhat dried up hardware store bag baby. It’s done fine for me and I repotted it this spring when it started pushing new roots. I think as long as it comes to you healthy you’ll be fine. Most of my Cattleya types are pushing new roots right now so repotting may be an option if it arrives with new root growth. Read up on Cattleya care if you haven’t already, don’t repot or mess with the media unless you see new root growth or it’s a matter of life and death.

The only difficulty with Elmhurst I’ve heard about is that they probably won’t tolerate extended periods below 50 well. I kept mine inside over the winter but moved it outside a few weeks ago now that temperatures are warmer and plan on moving it back inside this fall. It seems hardy/easy to me.

I’ve received mail order Phals and Paphs. In both cases the plants were well packed and arrived in good health with no damage. I just unpacked them, put them where I wanted them, and provided standard care. Media age varied so those with older looking media got repotted but those with fresh looking media were left “as is”.

[Bombotany]

Orchid vendor here, I've shipped hundreds of orchids. It's really up to the shipper to make sure the orchid arrives happy and healthy. Assuming they know how to handle it, all you need to do is be prepared to pop your new friend in ideal growing conditions ASAP.

They're keeping your plants at the right humidity, light level, etc. Shipping in a dark, turbulent box for a few days is stressful enough on a plant, and could cause some stress related damage. It's up to you to make sure that you don't add to that stress by goofing up the culture requirements on week 1. Read the culture sheet, and you're good to go!

[luvmyorchid]

Thanks a bunch.....nervously waiting lol