New to Orchids- Identification, maintenance, and tips please!

[LaosyOrchid]

Hello,

So I've decided to be more intentional in caring for these and learning about Orchids so decided to start here!

Environment- the large grouping in the first picture grow under my mango tree (full shade all day). Right now in Laos it's 90-100F every day with about 60% humidity. The other two singular Orchids grow on my porch with sunlight for only about 20% of the day in the morning.

Orchids- I have no clue what type of Orchids I have because when they were in bloom I enjoyed looking at them but had no interest in learning more.

Care- the orchids under the tree have been pretty neglected but seem to be doing great. The other two Orchids I've been noticing droopy, shriveled leaves with VERY dry roots, so I started "misting" them two times a day for about two weeks now. Some green has started showing back up in the roots which I guess is a good sign. Because it is so hot here I notice the roots after a few hours go back to feeling crispy and brittle by the end of the day.

I'm not sure if this is enough information for this group to give any feedback but I'd love any and all information you may have to help care for them!

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[Roberta]

First, Welcome!
The first one looks like it is the Cattleya group. Being mounted, you don't have to worry about overwatering, but if it goes a little dry, not to worry. The other two look like Dendrobiums. They may want more water than they are getting. Again, with high humidity and roots running free, be more generous with the water, especially if they are starting to put out new growth. (Water not mist) The advice that you will read about not overwatering orchids applies to those in pots... in nature, these are epiphytes, growing on trees with roots exposed to the air and rain (AIR is the important part) In your climate, they likely will thrive without a lot of special care.

[LaosyOrchid]

Thanks so much for your reply! For these epiphytes, is there a point where I should replant them? The orchids in the first picture seem to be overflowing from their pot. I'll do some looking on the forum to see what I can learn!

[dimshane]

Hi!

I grow dendrobiums in a tropical climate. It's hot and humid all the time. For me, they can take plenty of water as long as the medium drains freely and remains airy as the previous response says. I even find myself soaking them sometimes. They are very thirsty when growing. Your goal is to have each new cane that emerges to be plump (not wrinkled) and just as tall or taller that the previous ones. I give mine plenty of direct morning sunlight and fertilize once per week. In our climates, there is no rest period, they grow and bloom anytime of the year. They aren't very picky and they flower abundantly.

[LaosyOrchid]

So, it's been a few weeks but I'm not seeing any signs of anything positive happening with this (Dendrobium?) ie. no new root growth, floppy leaves, some leaves falling off. Is it a matter of replanting, watering more, or doing something different?

[Roberta]

A few weeks is nothing in the life of an orchid. Progress is measured in months, and happens slowly. How often are you watering it? In my temperate climate I would say repot for sure (best when you see new growth and new roots starting) but where you live, it may be ok in that bot. But the roots don't look great, so a repot woud likely be reasonable. But with no medium, unless it is getting rain every day or two, you do need to be watering it - it looks somewhat dessicated, but that can be caused either by insufficient watering, or by bad roots that can't take up water. But don't expect instant "feedback" when you change your treatment, it takes a long time - and if it was underwatered, the leaves may still not perk up if you increase it, but new growth will be healthier.