I don't know what it is, but I want it to live! - Orchid Board

annaverity · #1 10-14-2009, 08:16 PM

Last night, my boyfriend came home from a trip to Sam's Club with, of all things, an orchid:

It's pretty and pink, but that's about all I know about it, as there was no kind of identification included with the plant. Some cursory Google searches have led me to figure that it's a type of Phalaenopsis, but other than that...

So, if you all would be so kind: What, exactly, is it? And more importantly, how do I keep it alive? I live in Honolulu, HI, so I somehow that temperature will be an issue, but when it comes to lighting (I live in an apartment downtown) and watering and whatever else is important, I'm pretty much clueless.

Thank you so much in advance for your help. I'm really excited to learn how to take care of this plant.

WhiteRabbit · #2 10-14-2009, 08:23 PM

Hello and welcome!
You have a phal type dendrobium! It's very pretty!
I will let others advise you to its care as I am still working it out myself lol. I think it should be fine light-wise in a window - east or west, if you have that.
I would wager this will be the first of many orchids for you

Swamper · #3 10-14-2009, 09:10 PM

I'm in on that bet. Oh yes and welcome to a very cool place to learn and get all sorts of help.

quiltergal · #4 10-14-2009, 10:45 PM

Welcome to OB! That's a very pretty Dendrobium. As Rabbit said it's a phal type. Dendrobium phalaenopsis is a species so named because it's flowers somewhat resemble a those of a true Phalaenopsis or Moth orchid. Your's is a hybrid with some Den. phalaenopsis in it. They like warm temperatures, regular watering and feeding, and bloom best in very bright light. Since you live in HI you could probably grow it outside on a balcony and it would be very happy. I know some people use them as landscape plants in the islands. They also like to be root bound. The downside to that is the pots are usually very small for the size of the plant and they tend to be tippy. I keep mine in a heavy cache pot to keep it upright.

Have fun! I'm sure this won't be your last orchid. I know of an awesome greenhouse on the North shore.

andrew__ · #5 10-15-2009, 12:11 AM

I can't tell you any more than quiltergal already has but that's a fantastic looking flower. Good luck!

annaverity · #6 10-15-2009, 03:53 AM

Thank you all so much for the information and welcome! I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed by how much there is to learn about taking care of this plant, but it's exciting, too.

As a followup question for quiltergal: what does regular mean, in regards to watering and feeding?

Thanks again for your help!

RosieC · #7 10-15-2009, 04:22 PM

Hi Annaverity and welcome to Orchid Board

As others have said it's a Dendrobium and looks like the hybrid has a lot of Dendrobium phalenopsis in it. Be careful not to confuse Phalenopsis as a Genus, with the species Dendrobium phalenopsis as they are quite different plants.

On the other hand the care of a Dendrobium phalenopsis (or a related hybrid) can be quite similar to the Genus Phalenopsis in my experience except fot the higher light levels the Den requries.

Dendrobium - Orchid Board

Here is a care sheet for Dendrobium in general. Dendrobium is a large genus with quite different care required accross it. One like yours does NOT need a winter rest as some of them do and will not loose it's leaves in winter either.

I would advise watering as the medium appears dryer and the pot feels lighter. For me I water about once a week, but that can depend so much on temp & humidity where you are. Don't stick to a schedule but rather try and judge when it is starting to dry out.

I also fertilise about once a week, but monthly flush the pot through with plain water instead. This helps stop the fertiliser salts from building up.

Royal · #8 10-15-2009, 06:01 PM

Welcome anna,

I let my Dendrobiums dry out almost completely before drenching them again. In summer this can be twice per week, in winter it can be as little as once per month. You'll do fine, after all you did the right thing first - figure out what it is. Your second step was just as beneficial - joining the OB.

annaverity · #9 10-16-2009, 04:04 AM

Thank you both so much for the info! RosieC, that care sheet is really helpful.

What's the best way to water an orchid? I've been getting the impression that it's not your standard watering can operation....

RosieC · #10 10-16-2009, 06:42 AM

There are two main ways to water. The important thing to remember with both of them though is that you should not leave it standing in water for a long period of time. Always make sure any water that drains out of the medium after watering is tipped away.

As part of the above you should always make sure that the main pot has holes in the bottom. It's Ok to put it in an outer pot without holes but make sure no water stands in that.

Method 1.
Take it to the sink and run water through the pot and out the bottom. Make sure it gets thoroughly wet then allow to drain.

Method 2.
Stand the pot in water up to the brim for 15min or so. Remove from the water and allow to drain. I've been known to forget them for an hour or so sometimes so don't be too worried about how long they soak, just don't leave them that way long term.

I use both those methods, some people use others, but the key things is thatwhat ever method you use, you should get the medium thoroughly wet, but then alow it to drain so that air gets back in between the grains of the medium.