Got my first orchid - Phalaenopsis

[JHuebs]

So I just got my first orchid from my wonderful fiance! I have been doing a lot of research and have a pretty good understanding (I think) of how to care for it. It's a Phalaenopsis from a local greenhouse. I'm a little upset that the species wasn't given on the pot label...does that mean it's a NoID? (I'm a science nerd. I just like to know these things!)

I'm also curious about the inflorescence pattern. From what I can determine, my plant has two main peduncles with multiple pedicles extending perpendicularly off of each. Each pedicle has one or more blooms. Am I describing this bloom pattern correctly?? If so, how do I go about pruning when necessary?

I seem to understand that Phals are quite content with average indoor temps, and indirect sunlight. What is the definition of indirect light? Does a window count as indirect, or should my Phal be out of the *actual* path of light entering my window (i.e., in the center of a sunny room)?

Currently, my orchid is in a clear plastic pot from the greenhouse, but my fiance also purchased an orchid pot. He was told not to repot the plant until blooming ceased, however I read that this could be months. Will my Phal's roots be okay for that long without proper air movement?

Phew. Sorry for so many questions...and a big thank you to any advice given!

[LoveOscar]

I'm a new owner as well, so I don't have any answers for you, but I am looking forward to others answers! Congrats on your first orchid!

LO

[james mickelso]

Care must be taken according to what media media this is potted in. Moss? Bark? Other? How many holes are there in the pot? Indirect light is any light where full sun is absent. These are very easy orchids to grow and a very good first orchid to a novice. Water when nearly dry then not again until nearly dry again. When all the flowers fall off, repot and cut the spike off about an inch from it's base. That is the normal procedure with first orchids.

[JHuebs]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

Care must be taken according to what media media this is potted in. Moss? Bark? Other? How many holes are there in the pot? Indirect light is any light where full sun is absent. These are very easy orchids to grow and a very good first orchid to a novice. Water when nearly dry then not again until nearly dry again. When all the flowers fall off, repot and cut the spike off about an inch from it's base. That is the normal procedure with first orchids.

I'll have to check on the pot/media and get back to you. But regarding pruning, will I lose the "branching" of the flowers when it blooms again?

[Optimist]

Some phals branch, some do not. Pruning is not something many people do. 1500 to 2000 foot candles is the appropriate light. If it is in a shrink wrapped type pot with one drainage hole, and sphagam moss, you should consider repotting, or cutting additional slits for air movement in the pot. If it is in spagham moss, be careful about watering. There is a good "sticky" in the beginners forum called stop phal abuse, which has a lot of accurate culture information.

[james mickelso]

If it is in sphagnum moss and it came this way from the grower, it has a very dense inner plug of moss and this will stay wet for a long time even with slits cut in the side of the pot. If you want, see my post on repotting phals from moss to bark or the other one about repotting from the dense moss to moss which is much looser and is a good growing media for phals.

[roseycup]

I'm also new to orchid growing. I have a two spike Phal Orchid and I bought it since November with a few blooms still attached. I thought that during winter the blooms will die, but they have not wilted yet, but the leaves have started to turn yellow and the roots are starting to go brown and look as though they are dying even though I only water it when the bark is dry. Room temperature is warm, not much difference in day and night. I'm not sure what to do. Shall I cut the spikes down or leave it?

[james mickelso]

Phals store their water and nutrients in their leaves and roots. Flowering takes a lot of this energy and if the phal is not kept in optimum condition the leaves use up their store of energy and they start to turn yellow and wilt. If the roots are not in good shape the plant starts down the road to death. I would cut the spike and take a look at the roots to guage their condition. Please take pictures and post so we can guide you as what to do.

[roseycup]

Thank you for the advise. Hopefully I can post some pictures up soon because I tried to find someone who may have posted up similar symptoms, but have had no success.