how to care for Dgrma. Flying High 'Hawaii' ?

[pinkcatxx]

i recently bought an orchid, but the 'tag' that is shoved into the pot had fallen out and i didnt know what type of orchid it was or how to care for it... my mum just found the tag, and it is a Dgrma. Flying High 'Hawaii' orchid. But there's really no instructions on the tag/card/thing and i googled it, but still no good explanations, so how do i care for it?

(i've been watering it every 4 days or so, it's been going ok but its got some black spots on the leavse and this morning 2 of the 7 flowers on there have started to wilt.)

[mattryan]

Welcome to OB! Firstly what kind of medium is this orchid in, then we can start to help you. Now it isn't uncommon for flowers to drop when you bring an orchid home as to who knows how long flowers were open for, or how was it cared for, or change in atmosphere all of those conditions can lend to flowers falling dropping off the spike. Now I have a degamora so I mightbe able to assist you. Degamora is under the genus of Oncidium. It can be potted in either sphagg ( a moss like substance) or bark. If it is in bark it isn't as easy to over-water. The best thing is to put a wooden skewer into the mix as close to middle as possible and do not water until only the bottom is still wet, now you can mist the top, but don't water. Once the flowers are done (as long as you are watering the way that I am saying) you should do a re-pot into bark if you water too much then you need to get your orchid out of the sphagg asap! and into something that you are comfortable with. Now watering every 4 days...unless you live in the desert is wayyyy too much. Use the skewer method, it's alot better to have it go dry for a day or two if you are unsure (they have reserves, that's why the bulbs are fat) then to over-water and kill it. These are not typical houseplants, but they aren't that difficult. Read through the sticky's your plant falls under Oncidium alliance, but don't be afraid to ask that's how we all get better at growing orchids. One last thing just because someone says do it this way it's not always true we come from so many diverse places that what might work there might not work here. So keep an eye on peeps that post from your area or ask, because their culture is probably the best suited to yours. Welcome again and goodluck!!

Cheryl

[WhiteRabbit]

hmm ... every 4 days may not be too often - or it could be - depends on multiple factors. A skewer in the potting media, as Cheryl suggested, is very helpful.

The flowers wilting could be just that they were naturally at the end of their life. This type of orchid also can be prone to some black spotting on the foliage. If you post a few more times, you can post some photos, which would help members to see if it looks serious or not.

Once the flowers are done - pull the plant out of the pot to see how the roots look. That would also be a good time to repot.

[pinkcatxx]

thankyou both
i will definitely try the skewer idea, and it is in bark mix at the moment i think. i'll repot it and fertilize it after the flowers alll drop off, i still have some lovely bright flowers to enjoy for now :')