Have no idea what I'm doing...help!

[Qubes]

Hey everyone,

I am a New Yorker and have been my whole life-with that being said...we don't naturally have a green thumb. I have been wanting to grow a plant and for my birthday, my friend bought me orchids. (Beautiful but very difficult).

Here is the current state they are in. I have read to only water them once a week, not to over water. They are no in direct sunlight and I simply just don't know what to do. I am not sure how to re-pot or if I need to re-pot. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks!

[tucker85]

Those are some beautiful phalaenopsis. I'm afraid you'll get a range different opinions about this subject on the forum but I'll give you mine, for what it's worth. Phals usually bloom once a year and stay in bloom for a couple of months or maybe more. I think you should enjoy the flowers for now. Don't water the plant when it's already wet.Use your finger or a bamboo skewer to tell if the medium is wet or dry. When you're sure it's almost completely dry, put it in the sink and water until the medium is well soaked. I hope that pot has a drainage hole because you don't want the plant to sit in water. If there's no drainage hole you probably need to repot. Give it good light but no direct sunlight. When the flowers fall off, come back ot Orchid Board and ask about repotting. Good luck, enjoy.

[Leafmite]

One more thing--when you water, try not to get water on the leaves...the leaves can rot. Orchids become easy once you figure them out and make a wonderful houseplant. Good luck and welcome!

[Phal Gal]

Qubes: I have no advice for you...I'm learning as well....but those are BEAUTIFUL!!

Tucker: Genius! Bamboo skewer! I'd never have thought about that. People keep suggesting I use a "water meter" and I just can't find any in the stores.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I also recommend reading the sticky "The Phal abuse ends here." from the very beginning.

Here's the link:

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

[Bud]

I am a fellow Manhattanite windowsill grower...just trust your instinct on this...do not be scared, Phalaenopsis are very hardy plants and can take so many abuse and neglect...but I am sure you are doing just fine with your plants...
I see from the pictures that the orchids are in bloom, the leaves are of the right shade of green for Phals... and of firm crisp texture...you will have to cut the spikes when the blooms are gone.
look up YouTube videos on how to repot Phals...and also go to the flower district on 28th street for various orchid mixes you want; theres so many to choose from...you may use your original pot again...
Since you have a hybrid ...your plant might bloom every 4 months(species bloom once a year)
you are lucky to have been given sound advice already by the others...

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome to the OB.
Good luck with your beautiful phals.
Joann