I need HELP...and lots of it :)

[Dionne]

I was given an orchid from a friend and don't know what to do. First off I was wondering is this plant healthy? Second, should I repot it and cover its roots? If so with what medium? Any and all help is appreciated. THANKS!

[jkofferdahl]

It's a Dendrobium, from the looks of it. It'll do nicely with strong light, though not direct sunlight, and warm temperatures. When it's in growth you'll want to water it regularly, and use the "weekly, weakly" method of fertilization.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Grow in small orchid mix. Wet the roots before potting.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I forgot, water once a week. If the canes shrivel a bit. Water twice a week.

[RosieC]

This is the general care sheet for Dendrobium, which is what that looks like.

Dendrobium - Orchid Board

[RosieC]

It looks like you have a new cane growing which is good

Is there a hole in the bottom of the inner pot? If not then it could make it difficult getting the watering balance right and I would definately re-pot in to a pot which does have holes in if that is the case.

I would probably be inclined to repot anyway if that was mine. The choice of medium is one of personal preference in many cases.

There are many choices but you want something which lets enough air to the roots. Choices include, Sphagnum Moss, Bark Chips & Cocunut Husk Chips and these can be mixed with each other and mixed in with things like charcoal, sponge rock, foam, to name just a few.

Put as simply as I can... if you tend to overwater and/or are in a humid enviroment then you want to go towards mediums that dry out more quickly like bark... if on the other hand you tend to underwater and/or are in a very dry enviroment then you want somthing which retains water more, like Sphagnum Moss.

It can also depend on the orchid of course, some like it wetter than others and so this affect the choice.

I know that somewhere there is a link to a page about choosing a medium but I can't find it just now.

I hope I've not just confused things with all the choices

Personally I favour a mix with a high proportion of bark, but it's not the best choice for everyone.

[Royal]

Your Dend. should do nicely in Hawaii. It might need to be repotted from the looks of it, but don't overpot. Use a pot that the root ball barely fits in. I don't know what medium is available there, but I'd use a bark-based medium. If you do re-pot, make sure it's snug in the pot. You don't want the plant to be able to move around. Staking it can help keep it still while its roots settle in.

Good Luck!

[RosieC]

I forgot to say... when you water you should make sure the medium is thoroughly wet and then let it drain all excess water. This is why a pot with holes in is best.

Usually you would either run water through the pot, letting it run out the bottom, or you should dunk the pot in water for a few minutes. Either way you should then let it drain well and not leave it sitting in water for long periods of time.

[Dionne]

Thanks everyone for all the wonderful advice. Wish me luck!