How to tell what type of Orchid I have and how to care for it - Orchid Board

LesaJT · #1 07-02-2009, 05:07 PM

I am now to this. I have had a few orchids over the last year. I have 3. Two are the same looking with different color flowers and one is tall and the leaves look like a pussy willow. The flowers fell off long ago and I do not remember what they looked like. I need to see if I can get it to bloom again and what to do with the others when the blooms fall off. Should I cut the stems off at the bottom? Should I cut the leaves of the tall one off or fertilize it? I have been giving them fertilizer once a month or so. Not sure what to do. Can someone tell me? Can I find a place on the web with the pictures of each kind so I can identify them? These were all gifts. I want to take care of them and know how to make them bloom. Thanks
Lesa

Royal · #2 07-02-2009, 06:02 PM

Hi Lesa and welcome,

It is hard to really say with just a short description, but if you posted a picture I bet we could get you close.

Here's just some general advice: Don't cut any leaves off. Fertilize on a regular basis (weekly or bi-monthly), but only at about 1/4 to 1/2 of the recommended dosage. And finally, cutting the flower stalk is fine, but some can bloom from an old spike so sometimes I leave it and just let it either re-bloom or start to dry. If it dries I snip it.

Blueszz · #3 07-02-2009, 06:04 PM

Hello Lesa, welcome to OB!

Please, show us pictures from your own plants, that makes identification easier for us. Without knowing what kind of orchids you are talking about, it's hard to give you a good advise.

Nicole

camille1585 · #4 07-02-2009, 07:45 PM

I agree, photos would be ideal. Based on your description, I can't really figure out what they are! Once we know what they are, we can give you more precise advice for their care. But I agree with Royal, don't cut off any leaves!

kavanaru · #5 07-02-2009, 07:54 PM

"...tall and the leaves look like a pussy willow." say what!!?

(now you are making me curious...)

pussy willow http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/images...llow_large.jpg
"pussy willow look alike" https://vault1.secured-url.com/turn-...0Celsianus.jpg http://polyland.calpoly.edu/topics/f...y%20cactus.jpg

yes, as the others mentionned... Pics of your plants would help a lot!!

seamonkey · #6 07-02-2009, 08:52 PM

I like that collection of furry plants!

LesaJT · #7 07-02-2009, 11:52 PM

I am attemptig to attach three photos so here goes. The two are Phal's according to the pots they are in. The other one has long leaves see photo. Let me know. Thanks.
Lesa

Zoi2 · #8 07-03-2009, 12:08 AM

Hi Lesa and welcome to the OB. It looks like you have a cymbidium and 2 phal hybrids.
Joann

LesaJT · #9 07-04-2009, 10:10 PM

I have a cymbidium and its flowers have fallen off and the leaves are wilting. How do I care for it and what to do ti make it perk up and flower again? I do not want it to dye. See the picture I posted. Today it looks worse.

Cookiemonster · #10 07-05-2009, 01:48 PM

Okay--- Lesa, your going to have to provide us with more info like

What window do you grow this in? What are the daily high/lows? How often have you been watering? What medium (soil) is the plant it ?
How long have you had it ?

This might help us direct you as best as we can.