How is my orchid doing? - Orchid Board

samraleigh · #1 01-22-2022, 02:18 PM

Hello There
I don't have much experience with orchids. Bought this one about 2 years ago from Costco. It had flowers when I bought it but never flowered after that. Does it look healthy? It got keikis on both stems. Not sure what to do with it. Please share your thoughts.

Roberta · #2 01-22-2022, 03:08 PM

Although it's in fairly large bark (so would tend to drain well) after 2 years, likely in need of repotting in fresh bark. If that decorative pot doesn't have drain holes, I hope that you are letting it drain well before putting it back in...

Repotting will also give you a chance to look at the roots. The plant looks good so chances are that roots are at least OK, but by the time orchids show distress, they are usually pretty far gone. So... repot (take some photos of the roots and get advice before you put it back in the pot). One very common reason why Phals don't rebloom is not enough hours of light. My own experience, early in my "orchid career", I had them in the spare bedroom (my "greenhouse') that got good eastern light for 4-5 hours a day, then the sun shifted and light was very indirect. I added some of the cheapest shop lights from Home Depot on a timer to give them an honest 12 hours of light a day, and got about 80% reblooming. They don't need or want much light intensity, but come from near the equator, so are very happy with 12 hours a day of light.

samraleigh · #3 01-22-2022, 05:19 PM

Roberta
Thanks a lot for replying. Its winter here. Is it ok to repot it right away or better to wait until the start of the spring?

thanks

Roberta · #4 01-22-2022, 05:24 PM

The general rule on repotting is to do it when new roots are growing. For orchids such as Cattleyas or Oncidiiums, that is seasonal. Phalaenopsis, however, are growing (and if medium is good, rooting) pretty much all the time. And since they are indoors, temperatures are fairly warm and uniform. So for a Phal, I'd say go for it.

samraleigh · #5 01-22-2022, 06:12 PM

Any recommendation for what kind of medium to buy?
I was thinking to buy this.
potting mix

I see lot of cheaper options too!

thanks

Roberta · #6 01-22-2022, 06:17 PM

The rePotme mixes are good for small quantities. I'm not sure what is in them. Choice of medium has a lot to do with YOUR watering desires.. sphagnum (or mixes high in it) will tend to stay wet, need watering less often but you have to be careful not to water too frequently. A mix with larger bark, which drains better, needs to be watered more often but is hard to overwater. (Personally, I water a lot, so I lean toward mixes that dry faster, but that's me...)

estación seca · #7 01-22-2022, 06:28 PM

Will your home be warmer in spring or summer? I agree the medium looks OK for now, and that repotting after more than 2 years is a good idea. However, if you will have warmer ambient temperatures in your home in spring or summer, I would wait until then. Phals are warm temperature plants.

nemesis · #8 01-22-2022, 06:35 PM

I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but have made some mistakes and had some successes with the following:
Disaster:
Miracle Grow Orchid Bark...never buy this. I killed 2 phals with it. It is all small particles even when you buy the coarse mix.
Good Stuff:
rePotme very uniform and good drainage. I have most my Phals. in this, and I love it.
Orchiata Bark. I super love this. I have my Angraecums in it and water every day. It holds up and doesn't break down.
Just one neophyte's opinion.

fishmom · #9 01-22-2022, 11:38 PM

Another fan of rePotme mixes here. That particular Phal mix (Gold Imperial) has a fair amount of sphagnum moss, so it will stay moist longer. The Dark Classic and Dark Imperial have less sphag, if you prefer that. All are excellent.

RoseSD · #10 01-23-2022, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nemesis

I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but have made some mistakes and had some successes with the following:
Disaster:
Miracle Grow Orchid Bark...never buy this. I killed 2 phals with it. It is all small particles even when you buy the coarse mix.
Good Stuff:
rePotme very uniform and good drainage. I have most my Phals. in this, and I love it.
Orchiata Bark. I super love this. I have my Angraecums in it and water every day. It holds up and doesn't break down.
Just one neophyte's opinion.

Who sells Orchiata Bark at the most economical price?