Hello from Dallas, Texas

[newbieatwork]

Oh how quickly I can have an addition. I acquired this NOID at a wedding reception (a centerpiece) over the weekend (I promise I would post up my first chid). Here is a picture of the most recent. The first one that started it all is of course posted in the first post of this thread. Any recommendation, let me know. Still learning.

[Bird Song Farm]

It's beautiful, very nice waterfall effect on the blossom spike.

Check the roots and pot (does it have drainage?), these plants were meant to be 'used and thrown away'. If that is decorative green moss on top, get rid of it......it holds in moisture.

Al

[newbieatwork]

Originally Posted by Bird Song Farm

It's beautiful, very nice waterfall effect on the blossom spike.

Check the roots and pot (does it have drainage?), these plants were meant to be 'used and thrown away'. If that is decorative green moss on top, get rid of it......it holds in moisture.

Al

Use and throw away? Can I save it? Just get rid of the moss and repot? There is no drainage for the container (I plan to drill some holes to make drainage possible).

[Bird Song Farm]

I'm sorry, that wasn't very clear I guess. Of course you can save it! I meant these plants are grown by the thousands for the florist trade and home decorators. Then tossed when they are finished flowering.

You can use that pot if you can get some drainage in it but a clear plastic pot would be better so you can see what is going on with the roots.
What is it potted in for medium...i.e., bark, moss,??

Al

[newbieatwork]

I poked inside and took a quick look. It all is all moss. Just the top layer is sprayed green.

Originally Posted by Bird Song Farm

I'm sorry, that wasn't very clear I guess. Of course you can save it! I meant these plants are grown by the thousands for the florist trade and home decorators. Then tossed when they are finished flowering.

You can use that pot if you can get some drainage in it but a clear plastic pot would be better so you can see what is going on with the roots.
What is it potted in for medium...i.e., bark, moss,??

Al

[Bird Song Farm]

I would guess that it is very wet. Do not water for awhile. Let the moss go almost dry, all the way through, not just on top. It would really be best to get a clear plastic pot for it. You could always set it in a decortative container after you pot it up in the clear one.
Meanwhile, now is your chace to study!

Here are a few links to get you started.

http://www.orchidboard.com/Phalaenop...ure-Care-Sheet

Choosing Potting Media

Easy Orchids - Re Potting A Phalaenopsis

Decide what potting medium you are going to use and get your supplies together.

The best advice I can give you is to Read,Read,Read.
Do a web search for "phalaenopsis culture". Use any hints you find that apply to you and your growing area and habits.

Hope all of this is of some help and will get you started off on the right foot.

AL

[newbieatwork]

Al, thanks for the links. I've read them. Just need to wait for it to finish blooming so I can repot in a plastic container.

Originally Posted by Bird Song Farm

I would guess that it is very wet. Do not water for awhile. Let the moss go almost dry, all the way through, not just on top. It would really be best to get a clear plastic pot for it. You could always set it in a decortative container after you pot it up in the clear one.
Meanwhile, now is your chace to study!

Here are a few links to get you started.

http://www.orchidboard.com/Phalaenop...ure-Care-Sheet

Choosing Potting Media

Easy Orchids - Re Potting A Phalaenopsis

Decide what potting medium you are going to use and get your supplies together.

The best advice I can give you is to Read,Read,Read.
Do a web search for "phalaenopsis culture". Use any hints you find that apply to you and your growing area and habits.

Hope all of this is of some help and will get you started off on the right foot.

AL

[Ross]

Hi! New to this thread (sorry I missed it earlier). Al is very correct, listen to his advice on this very carefully. If this were mine, I would not wait for the blossoms to fall (as they will). Phals are very forgiving of repotting (unlike other orchids.) If this were mine I would purchase some medium orchid bark either locally, like Lowes, or on the web, then I would carefully remove the orchid from the wonderful clear pot (be thankful for that!) I would wash the pot totally in hot water and scrub the inside till it's squeeky clean. Then I would carefully remove all the yukky moss from the roots. I would then Spray the whole root mass with Physan 20 (if you don't have any handy or can't get it locally, try the original Listerine - the yellow-brown kind, non flavored - it's OK to drench it and get it on leaves, won't hurt.) Then I would repot in original container (after large holes are made in pot. Drill some in the sides as well to let air into roots.) You will have to water more frequently with this setup, but there is little chance for rotten roots. I water mine every 3-4 days or so, depending on how the mix and roots look. If the roots are brownish or dark green - don't water. If they are nice and white, then water. Pretty simple. Tap water is OK if your water doesn't go through a softener. If it does, there is usually an outside tap that bypasses the softener. Softened water contains sodium salt that will kill the plant.

[newbieatwork]

Thank You RoSS and AL. VERY HELPFUL... and may I add to ROss.. Your photography skill is masterful. I've seen your blogspot. I'll get right to it with my phal

Originally Posted by Ross

Hi! New to this thread (sorry I missed it earlier). Al is very correct, listen to his advice on this very carefully. If this were mine, I would not wait for the blossoms to fall (as they will). Phals are very forgiving of repotting (unlike other orchids.) If this were mine I would purchase some medium orchid bark either locally, like Lowes, or on the web, then I would carefully remove the orchid from the wonderful clear pot (be thankful for that!) I would wash the pot totally in hot water and scrub the inside till it's squeeky clean. Then I would carefully remove all the yukky moss from the roots. I would then Spray the whole root mass with Physan 20 (if you don't have any handy or can't get it locally, try the original Listerine - the yellow-brown kind, non flavored - it's OK to drench it and get it on leaves, won't hurt.) Then I would repot in original container (after large holes are made in pot. Drill some in the sides as well to let air into roots.) You will have to water more frequently with this setup, but there is little chance for rotten roots. I water mine every 3-4 days or so, depending on how the mix and roots look. If the roots are brownish or dark green - don't water. If they are nice and white, then water. Pretty simple. Tap water is OK if your water doesn't go through a softener. If it does, there is usually an outside tap that bypasses the softener. Softened water contains sodium salt that will kill the plant.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by newbieatwork

Thank You RoSS and AL. VERY HELPFUL... and may I add to ROss.. Your photography skill is masterful. I've seen your blogspot. I'll get right to it with my phal

Thank you Nice compliment. I am sure you will do well with your 'chid.