Brand new with an overdeveloped plant

[cate]

Hello,
I received my first orchid yesterday as an anniversary present! However... its a bit of a mess. I know next to nothing about orchids but have been doing a lot of reading today and have gardened frequently. To me, this plant looks overdeveloped and under cared for. I am wondering if anyone can help me id the type and tell me the best steps to take.

The first picture is of the first of the blooms.

In the second, the leaves are flimsy and many have black spots. (I have read that this is from too much heat?) A few are severely damaged, and others look dead.

In the third, there is a layer of moss growing, but I can't tell if it is the growth medium being used or not. Also, the little weeds growing can't be good.

In the fourth, it looks to me like there are 5 pseudobulbs (there are 5 stalks of buds) and another growing in. See the 5th picture. Is this too many for this small pot? Should they be separated?

Thank you for any advice!! I'm excited to start my own collection!

[WhiteRabbit]

Hello!
looks like a Miltoniopsis, likely a hybrid with Miltonia. Both genera are in the Oncidium alliance. These are prone to spotting on the foliage. It appears to be limited to a couple of leaves, so I don't know whether it's something to be concerned over ... These also shouldn't dry out completely, but shouldn't be soggy either. Depends on the potting media, and your environment on how ofter to water.
Orchids generally do well "cramped". Pull out the weeds. Poke a bit into the pot to see what type of media the plant is potted in. You can probably wait to repot until it's done blooming. I wouldn't advise dividing the plant, until/unless the size becomes unmanageable. When you do repot, you can put it into a slightly larger pot. Bigger is better A bigger plant is better able to cope with any cultural deficiencies - at least if they are corrected before it's too late. Also a bigger plant can give you more blooms in the future!
Hope this helps a bit

[Swamper]

Welcome to the OB Cate. It sounds like you know something about plants. I bet you have a green thumb. Where in US are you?

[cate]

Oh my goodness, I'm glad you encouraged me to poke at it.... its in potting soil!! and it came right out! eeekkkk!

Thank you for the id help, that will help me gather a lot more info.

I'm in Idaho, and I'd like to think I have a bit of a green thumb haha

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by cate

Oh my goodness, I'm glad you encouraged me to poke at it.... its in potting soil!! and it came right out! eeekkkk!

Thank you for the id help, that will help me gather a lot more info.

I'm in Idaho, and I'd like to think I have a bit of a green thumb haha

that's likely small/fine grade bark - and probably broken down quite a bit - lots of good roots tho!

[jkofferdahl]

White Rabbit's comments are great. The plant looks nice and healthy to me, though it has possibly been kept slightly on the wet side. I think you have a good, healthy plant to start this wonderful hobby with!