Got as a gift, no clue what type it is

[jennyphur]

I got this as a birthday gift from my boyfriend. I have no idea what type of orchid this is.. It looks like a tree its so tall, about 3 feet tall. Its starting to die and I don't know what I'm doing wrong, but I don't know where to start to even identify it!

what type is this?


Its about 3 feet tall and is in a fern trunk..


the flowers are starting to die.. and the stem turning a bright red..


Ive watered once a week, the water just runs out the bottom as soon as i pour it in...

[Ray]

Obviously an Oncidiinae intergeneric of some sort; unfortunately an accurate ID is unlikely.

This I can tell you though: bright, indirect or dappled light (not direct sun), and lots of water (especially if being grown in a tree fern pot, as that will dry out rapidly).

[tuvoc]

Just to add to what Ray said, you're not doing anything wrong. The bloom spike is just finishing its cycle. This is normal. When it turns brown and dries out, clip it off, and follow Rays growing advice. Good luck, and if you have any more questions, by all means, ask away.

Kim

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board Jennyphur.

I agree with the advice above. If all the flowers are open when you got it then you don't know how long they've been open for and it's likely just that the flowers are now finished.

Once all the flowers have dropped just follow Ray's care advice and it should do well for you.

[Royal]

While enjoying blooming orchids in the house, it's a good idea to keep them out of strong drafts and AC/heater vents. I can't tell if that fan is blowing directly on the plant of not. Some air movement is a good thing, but too much can decrease the life of the flower. So can rain, smog, smoke, chemicals, and oil from your hands.

[Hedge]

Hello Jennyphur! What a beautiful plant and flower Definitely an Odontoglossum intergeneric, possibly a Burrgeara

Just a word of warning - is that a fan I see in the background - please be careful about directing the air flow directly at your orchid, especially as close as that.

[jennyphur]

thanks everyone, to address the fan that is there, it doesn't get used. I just put the flower up on the bookshelf to get it some more light. I was worried that I had over watered it and thats why the leafs were turning yellow and the flowers were dying. I've had the plant for 20 days now and all the flowers were opened when it was delivered. I will follow all the advice and hope I can keep it alive!!

[Lorraine]

If the flowers smell like chocolate then it is likely to be Onc Sharry Baby.

[Royal]

Originally Posted by jennyphur

I've had the plant for 20 days now and all the flowers were opened when it was delivered. I will follow all the advice and hope I can keep it alive!!

20 days is great, it sounds like you're caring for it well. I'm sure you'll do fine with it. When questions come up, just post it here. Welcome to the OB.