New to Orchid growing/care. Advice, tips.

[npipher]

Hello,

I'm new to this site, and actually didn't think I'd be joining a site/forum for all the questions that I need help with, but here I am.

Google just gives me so many different diverse answers, and it's not helpful, with my questions on Orchids that is.

I recently bought 2 Orchids from work. Unfortunately our plant specialist and Lawn and Garden Depo MgMt don't know as much about Orchid care as opposed to their endless knowledge of outdoor gardening, etc.

One of them is a Phal, which remains with my girlfriend at WVU where she goes to school. The other Orchid is either a Phal as well, or a Dendrobium, again I'm not sure on this one, because I lost the little tag on it =/

I just could use a lot of help as far as giving my plants a good home inside, and making sure I'm not killing it. I know that mine has 2 leafs that look yellow like, also mine has already done its blooming for the time being, and I need to cut it, but am not sure where.

Now, as I said before the Phal is with my girlfriend in her dorm, they have a huge window that gives lots of lights depending on the day, so I think she'll be okay, as long as she doesn't have it so close that it gets burnt, but like I said, hints, tips, suggestions?

I would like to grow correctly, as simple as I can keep it, and make my plant(s) last.

On a later note, my girl also has a Guzmania that seems to be turning black and or yellow on some parts of its leaves, any suggestions there?

Thanks, and glad to be on the forums.

[trdyl]

Welcome to OB!

Glad you decided to join us. We do enjoy sharing our knowledge. As far as culture goes Phalaenopsis and Dendrobiums are very different. If you could include a picture of the plant in question it would be very helpful. I have included a link for a Phalaenopsis Culture Ssheet. I grow Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, and a few other Vandaceous orchids myself.

AOS | Phalaenopsis

[nutgirl]

Welcome!

As Ted said, pictures are a great help.

Also, if you can tell what you're growing conditions will be, like you did with the info about your girlfriends lighting, it will help others give you specific advice for your conditions.
There are so many variables depending on temps, lighting, humidity etc.

Maureen