Repotting advice welcomed

[newbie0600]

I am a newbie that got a couple orchids from the grocery store on sale for $5. They weren't in the best of condition, but one has one flower, the other had 3 or 4 buds. I just took them home and decided to not do anything to make sure their roots were dry (I assumed they weren't treated well at the grocery store).

I noticed one bud dropped off, and I rushed to conclude that that was why they were on sale, and maybe the buds just weren't going to bloom. I figured I'd go ahead and repot it because it definitely looked like it was outgrowing its pot.

I repotted the one with buds, using instructions from my book and off youtube. The roots were big and round, like string beans. They almost felt creepy to touch, like a spiders legs or something! The leaves were big and long, and round at the end, like a cows tongue.

Question #1: Can anyone wager a guess as to its species just by that description ?

Question #2: It was originally potted in moss. It was very compacted, and took a long time to carefully get it out without damaging my orchid's roots. BUT, I repotted it in a typical bagged orchid mix I bought from the store with bark, small gravel, etc. Is that going to put the plant into shock ? Are some orchids just peat-only, and wont' respond well to orchid mix ? I put some styrofoam peanuts on the bottom of the pot, but other than that, is there anything I should do ?

Thank you very much.

ps - the good news is the remaining buds are starting to swell up like they're going to bloom. Now I feel like a dummy for repotting it right before it blooms, but my mistake was seeing the one bud fall off, and thinking the whole plant was mad. I sure hope I didn't jinx it!

[quiltergal]

I think you did everything just right. You may find that the now that the roots can breathe again the plant won't go into shock at all but react favorably by booming or growing a new leaf.

From your description it sounds to me like you have a Phalaeonopsis orchid. But one can't ID for certain without seeing a . The medium you chose sounds just right for a Phal.

[camille1585]

I agree with Terri. Sounds like you did it right, and sounds like a phalaenopsis. Don't worry about the bud dropping. Sometimes the stress of changing spots (in your case store to home) causes some buds to dry up and fall off. Did you soak the mix before repotting? It opens up the 'pores' of the bark to make it retain water better. As for your question on peat, there are no orchids (epiphytic ones I mean) that like it. You're sure to get root rot from excess moisture and lack of air circulation around the roots.
Can't wait to see your blooms!!

[newbie0600]

great, I'm glad that the repot won't interfere with its bloom. Fortunately I did remember to soak the mix. Any advice about when /if to add orchid food ? I have the green water-based mix, but I don't want to interfere with its acclimation to the new pot.

It was so interesting when I took it out and clipped the roots. Orchids are so unlike any other plants, I can't believe such a big plant can grow off those strange roots that are in a substrate and no dirt!

Thanks so much for the help!

[tuvoc]

Good job, newbie. I know how you feel about those strange roots, but understanding them may be one of the most important things to growing orchids well. Almost all orchids grow above ground naturally, so roots need to breath, a lot. Get the hang of this, and you're well on your way to success. Good luck, and have fun!

Kim

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Alrighty...I think there are a glossary of words you need to know when talking about orchids to avoid any miscommunication. Here they are:

epiphyte (epee - fight): In this case grows on the surfaces of trees.

lithophyte (lih - tho - fight): Grows on rocks or amongst rocks.

geophyte (gee - oh - fight): Ground dwelling. Includes terrestrials and lithophytes.

semi-terrestrial: Usually refers to plants that grow in peat moss, live sphagnum moss, compost, or leaf litter. In case you're wondering Cymbidiums and Paphiopedilums fall in this category.

urea: Salts contained in urine.

pseudobulbs (suhyew - doh - bulbs): "Fake bulbs". The part of the orchid that stores most of the orchid's water and energy supplies. Comes in handy during dry spells.

velamin (veh - lah - men): Fleshy part of the orchid roots.

These are basic terms. It'd be good to learn them.