Greetings from South Africa

[Viia]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forums and thought I'd introduce myself and my orchid

I live in South Africa and in March I got my first ever orchid (white phalenopsis). It's in a clear plastic container which sits in a plastic flower pot with rocks. The medium is moss. This is the way I got it but the medium is always moist (I end up watering once a month!) and the roots aren't healthy so I'm going to repot.

When I first got it all the flowers went limp and fell off (in a fairly random order) but when I decreased watering to once a month it grew 3 new buds (but new roots still turned mushy) so this is quite a strong little plants!

This is the only pic I have of it (I'm out of the country currently so can't take a full shot of it)


So anyways :P I look forward to learning about how to best care for my plant and to seeing everyone else's orchids!

[Chubidubi]

Viia There are a lot of phal experts here to help along your journey

[Ross]

Glad you chose to join! Nice white Phal you have there. Check out the culture sheets we have on Phals for care and I hope you enjoy your new hobby.

[Viia]

Thank you

[Faan]

Hi Viia
I am glad to see another SA on the forum. I agree with others that you will find a lot of info on the forum. Should you be prepared to indicate where in SA you live I may be able to tell you whom to contact in the area. It is always good to join an orchid society as well. You may also pm me to help you

[Viia]

Ah, I'm not alone. I live in Cape Town. I haven't actually searched much, but are there any stores with a wide selection of orchid pots? I haven't really found anything I like at Stodels or Pick N Pay :P

[Faan]

What you should do is to join one of the orchid societies in the region.
As far as pots are concerned you might get the right size pots at Starke Ayres in Rondebosch. There is also a place in Landsdowne rd close to the M5, Kenilworth side. These people sell the pots the Duckitts use for Disas. When you belong to a society you will also find that they have pots they sell to their members at very reasonable prices
The plant you got most likely came from a Chinese firm on the other side of Kraaifontein. They unfortunately are wholesale.
You may also contact me privately.

[Des]

Viia welcome and enjoy the forum ,
Regards Des

[Viia]

Thanks Faan, I'll check out the store on Landsdowne, I'm in that area a fair bit. My orchid came from Woolies so I can't really go back there for orchid supplies :P

Even though this is a generic orchid, it's very dear to me because we bought it for my sister's memorial service So I want to do something very special and beautiful with it.

Hi Des Seems like there are a few SAns here.

[priz_m]

Hello Viia! Welcome to the OB. My first orchids was a white phal as well (R.I.P... overwatering ) looks like you are already on a great way with yours.

Enjoy the forums, glad you joined