First time orchid buyer - please help

[neworchidbuyer]

I bought my first orchid yesterday and am fairly intimidated by what I've read on this site. Are they really that hard to grow? I found it in a clearance basket at a grocery store for $1.98, and the little tag says OBrsdm. Shooting Star (Mustard). It is in a little plastic square pot, has several healthy leaves, one even has a new leaf poking up through it. There is a long (empty) rod-like thing that used to have blooms on it. Obviously, I don't know the first thing about orchids, even the names of the plant parts. I've read enough to know they like shade and humidity; but when do you know when they need repotted? Any tips would be much appreciated. Thanks,

[Donald]

Hello. Sounds like you have an Oncidium Brassidium.
You can go to the American Orchid Society web site the have culture sheets that will help you You might also post your question on the Oncidium forum on this site. Many knowledgable people on this entire site.. I'm quite sure others on this site with more experience than I will add some more info for you. Good Luck.

[RosieC]

Orchids are not that difficult really, but there are a few things you need to know.

I'm not sure waht OBrsdm is, doesn't sound like an orchid genus to me, but them there are so many it could easily be one I've never heard of.

Could you post a picture of it. That might help work out what it is and what care advice we should give you (unless OBrsdm is a genus someone else recognises).

Each genus has it's own method of care so finding that out is the first step.

Pretty much common to all orchids is that they don't like to be left standing in water. Make sure there are holes in the bottom of the pot and that the pot is not left standing in water.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by Donald

Hello. Sounds like you have an Oncidium Brassidium.

Ah, there we are, I learn something every day.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If your plant is a Brassidium (abbreviation: Brsdm) it is what is called an intergeneric hybrid between plants in the genus Brassia (abbreviation: Brs) and the genus Oncidium (abbreviation: Onc).

This is a man-made hybrid.

Both Oncidium and Brassia belong to the Oncidium Alliance. Therefore Brassidium belongs to the Oncidium Alliance as well

Is there any other name printed on the tag after OBrsdm, either in single quotation or parentheses?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

As for repotting, see if the potting media is dark and feel if it's mushy and leaves a lot of debris. If this is the case, then repot.

Another reason to repot is if the orchid's roots are climbing out of the pot.

If neither is the case, then it's best to leave it alone.

However, if you repot, they must be grown pot bound (as in the root mass must snugly fit into the pot). Often times you'll find that you will not need to upgrade to a larger pot. Or if you do need to move up to a larger size, I find it safer to move up in half inch increments (for example: moving the plant from a 2" pot to a 2.5" pot). This often leaves the plant looking top heavy with the plant being enormous, and the pot being tiny. Don't fret, this is normal.

You might want to also check out some good books for you to refer to. There's a book recommendation section here too.

[Royal]

Originally Posted by neworchidbuyer

I bought my first orchid yesterday and am fairly intimidated by what I've read on this site. Are they really that hard to grow?

No, they are not "hard" just different. Most people make assumptions about what orchids like based on what they hear (probably the same people that told you that they're hard to grow). They treat it like a Peace Lily or other tropical houseplant because they assume that since they are "rain forest" plants that they like rain/water everyday and deep, deep shade. This usually leads to a ball of brown mush, and the grower assumes it's because the plant is picky.

The truth is that these amazing plants are really resilient and can withstand a wide variety of conditions. You are way ahead of the game by actually trying to do a little research and finding out what orchids like and don't like. Good for you.

In nature, most orchids grow with their roots exposed. They don't grow in soil, but on tree trunks and limbs. Most do live in areas with high humidity and rainfall, but these conditions are vary from season to season and even from day to day. Bottom line is that their roots are used to getting little bits of moisture when it can, but never stay soggy. At home, we put them in pots for our convenience, not theirs. Living in a pot, they need a good soaking but must be allowed to dry between waterings. Good luck!

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

Most people make assumptions about what orchids like based on what they hear (probably the same people that told you that they're hard to grow).

That's so true. I hear loads of things from people which are misconceptions about how they should be grown. They also make the mistake of thinking all orchids should be cared for in the same way as each other.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

If your plant is a Brassidium (abbreviation: Brsdm) it is what is called an intergeneric hybrid between plants in the genus Brassia (abbreviation: Brs) and the genus Oncidium (abbreviation: Onc).

It was the OBrsdn which confused me. Does anyone know what that might mean on the front.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I'm assuming that "O" was meant to stand for Oncidium? Brsdm makes more sense.