Plant Identification Help

[rachellynnwhitaker]

My husband and I have just purchased our first home and I was extremely happy when the previous owners decided to leave all of their house plants. Among the plants left are two orchids planted in bark one in a clay pot one in plastic (but both with plenty of drainage). One plant has one bloom left (see attached picture if I did it correctly), the other is not currently blooming. I feel that to care for these plants correctly, I should know what they are. That way I can look up the proper watering, lighting, and fertilizing needs of these particular plants.

I am an orchid novice. I've often admired the blooms but have always been a little scared to step into the world of the unknown. Somehow orchids always seemed so mysterious to me.

My guess is that these are run-of-the-mill varieties, but if someone could look at the picture of the bloom and help me figure it out, I would greatly appreciate it. Also, is there a way to identify the other plant without blooms on it?

Thanks!
Rachel

[Optimist]

Phalenopsis. There is really no way to identify the exact name without the tag. There is a bunch of stuff about them on this site.

[DeaC]

Welcome to OB! Thats a pretty phal orchid,also called a "moth orchid" and a great beginner plant. Plenty of info here and online.I don't see another plant but the phal is very nice!

[emg53]

Your orchid is a phalenopsis and you are right is is a run of the mill orchid available all over. It is a great beginner orchid and it should be easy to find out about it's care. Just don't believe the three ice cubes advise. If you post a picture of your other orchid we might be able to tell you the type so you will know how to care for it.

[WhiteRabbit]

You may wish to read the first few to several pages of this thread The Phal abuse ends here..

There's general care info here: https://www.aos.org/Default.aspx?id=217

[rachellynnwhitaker]

Thank you, everyone. I knew I came to the right place. I'll try to get a picture of the other plant, but the leaves look so similar, my guess is that they are the same thing. I'm so excited to work with these and now I'm planning to get more!

[jason45244]

There is much knowledge here, I am newer to this forum even though I've been doing orchids for quite a while. I would clip those flower spikes at the base and repot just because you really don't know how old the media is. If it smells musty definitely do it. Figure out the watering and light requirements and you will start to see new growth. I almost find new growth on phals as exciting as a new flower spike! Good Luck and happy growing.