new to orchids- HELP!!

[ilmbg]

Den Blue Fox Tail -pale leaves..I am new to orchids...I bought a den Blue Fox Tail. I have asked how to care for it correctly- have only had it about 1-2 weeks, and leaves getting paler/yellow/floppy. I watered it once so far- I let it dry out, then sat it in a dish, watered it from the bottom, let it sit for about 30-60 seconds. Then took it out of the water. It is in the northeast window. I put it outside for a few hours in the morning to try to absorb moisture from the air. When outside, It is not in bright sunlight, but on a covered porch. I bring it in about 11am. I am in San Antonio, Texas. I know not to water too much- was told once a week is enough- only spray when it is outside so the circulating air can evaporate. My house is air-conditioned at 76-78 degrees. Outside is 75-80 at night, 93-98 during the day. Due to the high heat I have not had it outside in the afternnoon. I lost one- a different kind recently. The roots are white at the sides/bottom, with only a couple greenish/white at the top. It is in a 'solid bark'. Would it help to take it out of the plastic pot- let it sit bare a few inches above a pan of water for moisture? They like to be in 'tight' pots, though, don't they? Sorry for the random thoughts- just trying to make it happy. Thank you. I searched for this kind on your site and did not find anything.

[isurus79]

My guess is that it needs more water. Try letting it sit in a pan of water (fully engulfing the pot) for 10 minutes, then water 2x per week from now on. After all, it is summer time!! I would also let it stay in one place. Basically, let it stay inside or outside, but not both. Having a regular sun and temperature schedule is important to these plants and constantly moving the plant does not allow this. If you're gonna leave them outside, I would also water a little more often due to the heat. Remember, these plants like bright light and even some morning or late afternoon direct sunlight. and welcome to the OB!!
P.S. Dont take it out the pot unless you suspect something is wrong with the roots. Also, some pictures would also help with any diagnosis!

[ilmbg]

I was wondering about moving the plant outside/inside...can this plant stay outside when it is very hot? Where would be best- either in or out?? I like the plants that are attached to bark outside. When this is done there is no container- what is the difference between putting it on bark vs taking it out of the pot? I can take pictures... but I don't know how to transfer them to the site! Also, how do I determine what catagory it fits in? I through IV, I believe I saw..... Thanks.

[isurus79]

Either situation (indoor or outdoor) would probably suffice. Indoors might be easier because of your temperature control, but outside might be better if you are limited for space. If you had a small fan, I would place it on your plant at low speed to run during the say so it could cool off if placed outside. I would also water your plant 5 days a week if its outside. If kept inside, a water regimine 1-2x per week should suffice. As for posting pics, I think there's advice on how to do that in the top part of the "Beginner Disucussion," though Im not positive. If you put your plant on a tree, they attach themselves to the tree and then grow that way. I dont know what your local conditions are (ie. winter lows and summer highs), but you'll have to do some research on Dendrobiums to see if your climate matches.