I'm afraid of killing it :(

[crimsonkite]

I have a horrible black thumb. I've killed philodendron. I've killed cactus and bamboo. Even when I've tried keeping plants, I've specifically avoided orchids because I'd heard that they're really difficult...

So. My husband bought me an orchid for our anniversary a week ago.

On the tag it says to just give it three ice cubes once a week, but doing some reading makes that sound kind of gimmicky, to make people like me think we might have a chance with them, and that it's not really the best advice?

It's beautiful, and I really don't want to watch it die because of me. Help?

[sii]

People have different views on the Just Add Ice orchids.

I personally did not have much luck. In fact I killed my share just by following the instructions on the tag. I guess this is a phal?? Just guessing.

I water my orchids by using the skewer method that I'm sure you'll come across on this site. As it's getting cool, I basically water my 'chids once a week.
I keep them all by my east window and they're loving the great morning sun. My phals like being in slotted clay pots. The roots climb all around. Just tricky when you have to transfer to a bigger pot.

If you take a look around this site, you'll find a wealth of info. Good luck!

[Phal grower]

Welcome to orchid board firstly. I would guess it's a "just add ice" orchid. So, that means it's a phalaenopsis orchid. What I would do is to put it in an east facing window. If you are dedicated enough, read some threads here on repotting or on youtube. These guys need lots of air to to the roots so don't overwater. Good luck.

[Phal grower]

Beat me to it sii. I agree.

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome!
You might read through this thread for all kinds of info to help keep your phal healthy. Type in the phal abuse ends here in the search at the top of the page.
Joann

[keithrs]

Welcome.....

Heres the link....
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html

[Wjs2nd]

You'll probably want to repot it. Most mass-marketed orchids are sold in moss and it can be difficult for people to grow in moss. Plus, they have the moss to tight and packed in there. I have my phals mounted instead of pots. Good luck.

[Eyebabe]

Welcome!

If you read the "phal abuse" thread you are off to a good start!
I also have a generally "black thumb"
The reason I am successful with orchids is they require MORE care than a regular house plant.
I check them every day instead of having to remember to water them every two weeks when I can't even recall what I had for lunch

And some food for thought:
The most successful orchid growers I know have killed more plants than they can count!
Similar to a cliche in surgery...."If you are not having any complications, you are not doing enough surgery."
You cannot become adept at handling problems if they never occur for you

[tucker85]

I agree with everything that's been said so far. If the orchid is still in bloom you can probably enjoy it for a few weeks before repotting. Just don't overwater the plant during that time. Phals are one of the few orchids that don't mind being repotted at all. Use a pot and medium that will allow air to get to the rooots. Good luck.

[crimsonkite]

Thanks everybody! It is a phal, and it's potted in bark. I did have some skewers lying around, so I put that in the pot. The bark was so tight I actually had to kind of fight it in, so I'll go out and pick up a new pot for it today.

I've started reading through the phal abuse thread. There's so much info! Learning a lot. These little guys are fascinating.

I'd given it the three ice cubes like it said when I first got it, but it did seem really dry today, a week later. I found some videos on YouTube of people showing how to water them, and gave it a good drenching and draining, then a splash of half-strength MiracleGro orchid food...

Some of the roots that stick up are gray and withered, would I do more harm leaving them or trying to prune them? When I repot should those go back down in the bark?

Thanks again!