Newbie, also needing a little help!

[Vonnie]

Hello, I'm Vonnie! I've just started really getting into orchids, I've always had a phal around the house but never really delved into the hobby until now.

I've got about 5 phals now and this is the first time I've managed to get one to spike again! However, the one I need help with is a corkscrew orchid that was given to me.

The tag says it's trichopilia tortilis x trichopilia coccinea. I'm having a difficult time finding more info about it. All I've been able to find is indirect light and medium humidity.



One of the leaf edges started yellowing and the smallest pseudobulb died. I'm trying my best to keep it from withering away. One thing I'm really concerned about is that it looks like it's planted in soil and has been for a long time. I don't know if I need to repot it. Please help!

[Bud]

Welcome and Hello ! Sit back, relax and read postings from some of our members where you can glean precious knowledge on how to care for your orchids based on their wealth of experience...post pictures of some of your blooms...and give joy to others...

Now about your plant:

Origin: Mexico
Season: LF
Fragrant: No
Growing Ease: Requires extra care
Temperature: 50-75°F, 10-24°C
Humidity: Medium humidity
Lighting Needs: Does best in full sunlight coming from the South/East/West
MediaType:
Use a small shredded fir bark or small to medium lava rock. If you want to mix your own take: 2 parts osmunda fiber, 1 part sphagnum moss and a little sand. Always use a pot with a hole.
Watering:
Keep the potting mix evenly moist and reduce water during the winter or dormant season. Use warm water.
Fertilizer:
Use a fertilizer specifically designed for orchids every two to three weeks.
Plant Pests:
Prone to none. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse.
Gardening Tips & Care:
Mist occasionally with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining). Direct sunlight and cold drafts should be avoided. Place pebbles or gravel in the drainage dish to hold water to increase the humidity, make sure the pot is sitting on the gravel and not in the water.

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome to the OB!
Your hybrid sounds wonderful, I have the tortilis that I grow with my oncidiums. Intermediate temperature, a bit more light than phals and moist not soggy media. I do give a short winter rest.
I would probably repot your plant into a media you are confortable with.
Joann

[Vonnie]

Thanks! I really hope I can save it before it gets worse. Do you think it's safe to repot in its condition? There hasn't been any new growth since I received it two months ago.

I'm a bit confused about the soil medium that it's in because it seems to have done alright in it. It only started taking a turn for the worse when I got my hands on it. Any tips for repotting this little one?

[Vonnie]

Also, I'm confused about the part where it says it needs full sun, but later on it says no direct sun. @_@ Which one is it?

[Zoi2]

I repot EVERYTHING the day I get it so yes, I would reccomend you repot the plant into a media you like and while the plant is out of the pot, check the roots.
Are you growing your phals in a bark mix? If so, you can pot the trichopilia in the same mix as long as it drains well.
Joann

[Bud]

It means bright shaded sun...it can gradually be weaned to direct sunlight slowly but you must not expose it to 11am to 3pm summer sun(it will burn the leaves) I have a baywindow that has direct sun from daybreak to 10am and then the tall buildings shade it til 3pm in the summers...
repot it if you are uncomfortable with the plant's situation...use the same pot but use a fresh media of your choice...trust your instincts; you will know what to do(or look at repotting lessons on youtube) research for an oncidium media mix(your plant is similar to an oncidium)

[Zoi2]

Full and direct sun usually mean at least 6 hours of bright afternoon sun. That is too much for your plant. It should do fine in phal light which is pretty much morning sunlight or filtered afternoon light. By filtered I mean behind a sheer curtain. I hope that isn't confusing
Joann

[Vonnie]

I get it now! Thanks for clearing that up!

The phals I have are in moss and some are in a coarse bark mix. I think the pieces might be too big for the corkscrew orchid, so I'll have to pick up something smaller.

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board