how to care for shooting star black gold

[tlovesb]

Hi,
I just received my first orchid as a birthday gift. The tag says shooting star black gold, but there are no care instructions. I would appreciate any advice on how to care for this orchid. It was in bloom when I received it, but now all the flowers have dropped off. Am I supposed to cut off the stem the flowers were on? I have it near, but not in, a south facing window.
Thanks again for any guidance.
Teresa

[Ray]

On the assumption yours is Brassidium Shooting Star 'Black Gold', it prefers to be very bright, but kept in intermediate temperatures - nighttime temperatures in the neighborhood of 60°F or so is fine.

Here's someone's photo of it:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/97/232918881_a936de7b8e.jpg?v=0

[justatypn]

Could you please type the exact tag so we can chime in on proper cultural care.

Oh by the way Aboard, take a leap over to "break the ice" and formally introduce yourself to the members. We have a fun time here and so many friends and neighbors to help us along the way...: from Central Florida.

[tlovesb]

Hi Cheryl,
The tag says Brsdm. Shooting Star "Black Gold". The other one says orchid intergeneric hybrid. How's the weather in central Florida? I'm in the panhandle in north Florida and we've already had frost - that usually doesn't start until January!
Teresa

[Tommyr]

Let it dry out almost between waterings, bright,indirect light. I have a "Shooting star" which is nearly identical.

Great plants!

[CoolPhrog]

Hi Theresa! Welcome to the Orchid Board! I have a Brsdm. Shooting Star 'Black Gold' and it bloomed beautifully for me this summer...4 spikes loaded!

I didn't grow my plant in bright light as these plants prefer, I dont have a lot of that here with 13 oak trees on my property so mine grew in mostly shade with about 2.5 hours of dappled light in the hottest part of the day. Since I grow outside when warm weather starts, I mist all of my plants (through the hotter months) at least three times a day and feed/water every week-end.

A wise person said to me recently..."do what works for you and the plant." One thing I've learned about orchids (if I've learned anything...lol) is that they adapt better than people think they will or can. Your conditions aren't going to exactly match what someone in NE Florida does nor will it be the same for someone up North...figure out what makes YOUR plant happy and continue to do that....use what you learn as a guideline and your plants will let you know when they need to be moved or watered more or less...Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!!!

[Tommyr]

I just realized, Mine is the same as yours. DUH!

Care is the same.