Bit by the orchid bug

[Lilac]

Hi
Having just developed an interest in orchids and never having grown them before, I'm researching on how to care for them but honestly it's scary. So excited I found this board!

So I went to Home Depot last night and just couldn't wait and bought two orchids! My first ever! So excited! I foresee many more in my near future

The tags said one is a Phalaenopsis hybrid and the fuchsia one is a Cattleya. But I'm reading so much info on so many kinds!

I put them on a living room table, and love the way they look there, but it is very dim in there . Should I put them in a sunnier room?

I also misted them this morning.

Any quick tips will be appreciated untill I can read up on all the info! it's a lot!

Oh, and I live in Puerto Rico, hot and humid,but my house has awnings for shade so it's dim inside, really dim.

Hope the pics uploaded

Thanks in advance.

[JamesL]

Hello Lilac; Your in trouble now ! Once the orchid bug bits you it's forever, Enjoy them in the Living room while there in bloom, after there finished blooming move them to a more suitable location. If there in spag. moss you may want to repot to a bark mix available also at the place they came from. Living in Porto Rico you shouldn't have any trouble. except getting more, and more you see how this is going to go now.....Lots of love and happy growing JamesL....

[Lilac]

Originally Posted by JamesL

Hello Lilac; Your in trouble now ! Once the orchid bug bits you it's forever, Enjoy them in the Living room while there in bloom, after there finished blooming move them to a more suitable location. If there in spag. moss you may want to repot to a bark mix available also at the place they came from. Living in Porto Rico you shouldn't have any trouble. except getting more, and more you see how this is going to go now.....Lots of love and happy growing JamesL....

Oh My Goodness James! are you ever right! I'm dying here to go back and get more already!

Thank you for the advice. It has put my mind at ease!

Orchid hugs!

[MrsSky]

I caught my orchid bug at a big box store too! Your new orchids are beautiful. I can't give you any advice since I'm not very successful with phals or catts. I can wish you happy growing!

[james mickelso]

Welcome to Orchid Addicts Anonymous or more correctly The Orchid Board where you will find friendly folks who are addicted to this wonderful hobby too. As James said enjoy them inside while they are in bloom but I would take them closer to a window for a little refreshing light now and then. But when they start to wilt (and they will start quickly with dim light) put them somewhere they can get adequate light levels. If I spag don't water them too much. Overwatering kills most orchids. More orchids are killed by overwatering than by all other methods put together. The phal needs a medium light level but the catt will need a higher light level. But never direct sun after 9am or before 6pm in PR. Once you get your feet on orchid ground and know enough to kill them all, you might try repotting them. It is very easy and there is a wealth of info here along with pictures. Good luck and welcome.

[JamesL]

Ano, Ano, once you get it you got it. Lots of Love and Happy Growing JamesL

[Lilac]

Thank you Mrs Sky!

Thanks James Mickelso, I will watch them like a hawk and put them in a room in the back that does get some filtered light! My son suggested making it an 'orchid room' (because he knows me, and he knows I'm bit and believe me the minute they show signs of anything odd, I will be on here with cry's for help and pics!

Thanks JamesL!

Take care guys! I'm gonna be reading all over the board gathering info too!

Orchid hugs to all!

[magicatt]

Ha! Your in for it now. Might as well go and buy yourself shelves with lights.....

[bellini girl]

I'm afraid there is no cure for this addiction At best all you can hope for is remission until next pay day at least

[WhiteRabbit]