Virgin to Orchids. Any help is appreciated.

[wastedpineapple]

I'm completely new to owning Orchids, and recently (yesterday) finally decided to give it a whirl. I fell in love with them quite some time ago, but was afraid of actually killing the poor thing and never bought one; I heard they were hard to keep alive. I just seen this one at Wal-Mart and had to give it a try. The tag doesn't say much other than add 3 ice cubes per week, and put in a bright spot in the room but not in direct sunlight.
Should I stick with this ice cube idea?? I was also wondering how healthy this looks and if it should be moved to a bigger pot?
Also, If you have any other suggestions or opinions they would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

---This site seems like it is going to be a great help in my quest to learn and grow more orchids.

[Zoi2]

Welcome to OB, you have a lovely healthy looking phal. I haven't heard of adding ice cubes every week. Phals like East indirect sun, humidity and weak weekly fertilizer. When you water, make sure the water drains out and there is no standing water in your pot, it will kill the roots. The pot size is ok.
Joann

[Phrogz3]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!
That pretty plant you have is called a Phalaenopsis Orchid. It's a great starter orchid.It's not going to be hard to grow it and keep it alive for years to come. But,don't do any repotting wise until those beutiful blooms have passed. For me that is all ways hard. I love to repot an orchid when I first get it. There is always something I think needs to be different from the way it came. The potting media or type of pot are what usually drive me crazy. O.k. so back to you and your Phal. if it came with a tag stating the name of the orchid save it. I write mine down in a list also, so that if I loose a tag I still know what the plant is.
Check this site out it will give you all the Phal. info you need to get going and more. And, they have some amazing Orchids to put on your wish list too.
A Beginner Guide to Grow and to Flower The Moth Orchid

Have fun
Phrogz3

[let_it_grow]

I have heard about putting ice cubes on top to keep a slow amount of water going to the plant but I'm not a fan of the idea. First, the ice cubes will almost certainly touch some or all of the roots that are exposed at the top of the pot and the roots should never be exposed to direct freezing temperatures. Second, the ice will melt in a couple hours so it doesn't really provide a slow steady amount of moisture the way the ice is intended to do. Your best way to water the Phal is to make sure you dampen all of the medium completely. The most common ways to do this are a) run water through the pot till its running out the bottom OR b) to dunk/ soak the pot in water. I'm a soaker myself but have been known to flush. When watering its vary important to keep the water off the crown (the spot where the leaves meet the plant) getting water in the crown can lead to crown rot, if you get some water in the crown just get a twisted paper towel and soak the water up or you can do what I do and just blow really hard at the water and the air pressure will force the water out of the crown (and usually into my face LOL). Others have suggested what you want for light requirements so I won't get into it. I like to repot after I buy so I can see the condition of the roots but wait till it stoops blooming. Healthy roots are key to a healthy plant and if Phals have constantly wet roots they will rot so its a good idea to wait till the bark is dry (not just on top but in the middle of the pot too) before you water again. I like bark for Phals cause it doesn't hold as much water as other potting medium. If you repot it bark is a good pick. Welcome to OB and good luck

[lily99]

Welcome to orchid board! Your orchid looks healthy and beautiful. I agree with above posts about soaking the potting medium when it has just dried out, usually once a week, although this can vary depending on the temperature and humidity of your home. I agree with the above post that ice cubes are not a good idea. Phals don't like to get too cold, and I don't think 3 ice cubes would provide enough water.

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board, I also agree with the advise above.

Three ice cubes does not sound like enought water, and cold water is not the best anyway, I like to water with luke warm water. In cold weather like this I allow the water to come up to room temperature before using it.

It looks like you have an inner plastic pot (possibly clear) inside the brown one. Hopefully the inner pot has holes in the bottom and if it is clear that is even better.

To water your Phalenopsis you should do one of two things...
1. Soak the inner pot so water is absorbed and all the medium become damp, then allow it to drain so that it is not standing in water.
2. Run water through the pot until all the medium is damp, then allow it to drain completely.

You probably want to do this about once a week but it can depend on your climate. If the inner pot is clear then you can tell quite easily when it needs watering again. When it has just been watered the roots turn green. They will slowly turn silver as they dry out, once they are silver and once there is no sign of moisture inside the pot it is time to water again. A clear pot is good for this, because the roots at the top change colour before those lower down, so if you can see the lower ones you get a better idea of when to water again.

In your picture I notice some very dark geen staining on the roots. This does NOT look like the green colour they go when you water (some of mine have the same dark staining but I'm afraid I don't know what causes it). Anyway this does not affect when they need watering and so you need to look at the overall colour of the roots.

[wastedpineapple]

Thanks for all your help everyone! I really appreciate it. I hope all goes well...

Unfortunately, there is no clear pot inside the plastic one, but I'm sure I'll manage. I heard that Orchids (or at least this type) are more forgiving with under watering rather than over...? Which may come in handy as I can be forgetful at times. I'm gonna try my hardest to keep this thing alive!! lol

Thanks Again!

[RosieC]

It is better to go on the lower side of watering rather than over watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

You want to make sure that when you water the medium is thoroughly moist, but that it is not left standing in water.

Mine need watering about once every 7 days, but I know that (especially this time of year) they can easily go 14 days without harm.

But phals can suffer from lack of water as well. That's why making sure the medium is thoroughly damp when you do water is good.

[Sandy4453]

Most growers will usually take the plant out of the pot it came in, inspect the roots and re-pot into fresh medium. Choosing what medium works best for you will come with the experimenting. You'll get great results with most any, once you understand their differences. There's a vast choice, and it all will come down to the way it works best for your growing habits and the environment you're growing in. But for now, to keep it simple (and it's all simple once you get hooked) and to maintain the good health of the plant, take the pot that's surrounding the plastic one, off and either, put into a larger pot for better air circulation or leave it off, entirely. It looks like the plant is in bark, is that correct? A heavy watering once a week is sufficient, not more than this though. If it's in sphagnum moss, you'll want to wait until the moss has almost dried but not, bone dry. All mediums will dry at varying rates, depending on time of year, where you've got the plants (inside/outside), what kind of light it's receiving and temperatures. When you water, be very sure not to get water in the crown of the plant (the top middle section from where the leaves are growing). That will be suicide for the plant. If any water get's trapped, gently wick it up with a paper towel. You don't want to use ice cubes, too shockingly cold and not a good way to saturate the medium. Keep it where it will receive some bright, indirect light during the day, no direct southern exposure for Phals and also, away from any drafts such as vents from the heater.

Just a quickie, crash course to get you started. You're going to get hooked indefinitely once you see how easy they are to grow. Welcome to OrchidBoard. You're in for a treat, now that you've found us!

Enjoy your beautiful Phalaenopsis!

P.S. And yes, better to under water than over water BUT that's not entirely true because the right amounts at the right time are really what will keep these plants growing healthy roots which will keep them flourishing!

[herfy]

Originally Posted by wastedpineapple

Thanks for all your help everyone! I really appreciate it. I hope all goes well...

Unfortunately, there is no clear pot inside the plastic one, but I'm sure I'll manage. I heard that Orchids (or at least this type)

there is a plastic pot within the bown pot i can see it in you're picture...just gently pull it out