Very newbie - Orchid Board

dadsorchid · #1 09-11-2010, 05:13 PM

I recently purchased a phalaenopsis orchid for my father who is in a nursing home and it looks like I will be taking it home to my house sooner than later. Im looking for a good care sheet and something good to feed it. Also any other info about caring for them would be great esp. repotting and trimming.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #2 09-11-2010, 05:58 PM

You may peruse the site at your own leisure. Most postings are related to Phalaenopsis.

But here are the basics.

Intermediate to warm growing (60 F to 95 F)

Shade to bright shade.

Moderate to high humidity (50% and up).

They originate mostly from tropical Asia.

Roots are capable of photosynthesis. Therefore I recommend using clear plastic pots designed for growing orchids. There are other advantages. one of which is being able to see the roots.

I recommend checking out photos of them growing in the wild. You may do a Google search for these. Flickr will have pics of them "in-situ".

For the most part they grow on trees that are usually void of moss. Therefore, I recommend growing in medium grade bark as a potting medium.

Judi · #3 09-11-2010, 11:37 PM

Welcome to OB! In addition to Philip's good pointers, you can get a lot of good information at http://www.repotme.com/orchid-care/P...sis-Care.html; good re-potting info at http://www.repotme.com/orchid-repott...aenopsis.html; and there is a lot of good free information at First Ray's First Rays' Free Info . And of course there is an awful lot of good info here on OB!