Need some beginner advice

[lord_tobias]

I live in southwest Arizona, and have just purchased my first orchid plant. I am completely new to this, so I'm not sure my terminology is correct, but it might be a Catasetinae? Anyway, I don't want to end up killing it. I'm typically pretty good at caring for plants, and am attentive to their needs, but I could use some recommendations for keeping it alive. Specifically with freezing temps coming, and throughout the 100+ degree summers. Is it best to just leave it indoors, and exposed to sunlight? How often do I water it? What sort of plant food do I give it and how often? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I need a hobby, and this one found me.

[WhiteRabbit]

Photos would definitely help to identify your orchid, and then help with care. http://www.orchidboard.com/community...tml#post536950
You need to post a few times before you can use links. I think you should be able to upload photos directly by using the "attachment" (paperclip) button.

Some orchids can tolerate short periods of extreme temps. Most need protection from extremes.

Many do great on windowsills.

[lord_tobias]

Well, I can't post pics yet or a link, but it's the
Fdk After Dark 'SVO Black Pearl' FCC from Sunset Valley Orchids. I don't have the plant yet. I want to learn as much as I can before I receive it.

[Paul Mc]

Did you look at Fred Clarke's website? He has a lot if good information there for growing these.

I had mine outside this year in the over 100 heat for almost a month and a half. I watered when the sphag felt crunchy or the bulbs began to look wrinkled. They did just fine, but I also had them in a fairly sheltered position from the sun as a result. Not sure about Arizona as I'm sure they intensity would be greater.

This is actually the time we stop watering these until you see about 4 to 5 inches of active root growth in spring next year. They need to go dormant and the general rule is no water after thanksgiving. If the bulbs begin to shrivel, then water a bit, but you want the leaves to fall off and for the plant to go dormant.

[Paul Mc]

Oh, I should have said Fred's website is Sunset Valley Orchids, just in case you didn't know that. He discusses temps, light, dormancy, etc... There.

[lord_tobias]

Thanks Paul. I bought my plant from Fred, and have talked to him a bit already. He may send me some instructions. That is good to know about no water after Thanksgiving. Here, we don't really have normal seasons, so I'm wondering how that's going to work. I mean, it's early December, and 70 degrees outside. Do the plants go dormant due to the time of year, or just based on the weather conditions?

[Paul Mc]

It's a combo of things, temp, shorter days, lack of water to be specific. I'd keep it in a relatively cool area of the house if at all possible. It should do fine in the 60's as a low. I keep mine in the basement with grow lights.

[Stray59]

What you have is a Fredclarkeara, which belongs to the Catasetum tribe. I looked it up and WOW -- THAT IS BLACK! How interesting. I might have to add this one.
If you do not have success with this orchid, which you probably will, but if not, do not abandon Orchids! With 23,000 species and counting, there is an orchid for everyone and every climate.
You may find the Internet Species Orchid Encyclopedia of some help as it will tell you the various needs of different species - I bet there is one that would LOVE Arizona temps.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Steve

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I will add that in Catasetinae, dormancy doesn't mean that it will become deciduous.

Do not depend on the leaves to fall off as a signal to stop watering. Sometimes when the plant is already dormant, the plant will still retain their leaves.

[Paul Mc]

I'd also add that Fred told our society that during the dormancy period you might give it just a tad of water if the psuedobulbs begin to wrinkle. Just try not to water much, if at all.