What kind of Orchid to buy?

[Brenda Aarts]

Green roots, very good sign. Remove any mushy ones and I wouldn't worry about small spots of brown on roots or scars, they're just a bit banged up. I'm assuming they both have a few leaves? Make sure the pots you select are not too big and has some drainage holes at the bottom. Good luck, pictures would be helpful.

[Phal Gal]

Thank you!

I'm going to do my "root surgery" today, (I'll take pictures tonight) and I hope to mount them tomorrow.

The one in better shape has six healthy, green leaves, and lots of nice healthy roots. The other one has three wrinkly leaves, but the roots plumped up overnight, and I can't even see the scar anymore.

[Kevin_PR]

The Orchid Mall - Everything in Orchids This site has many international suppliers including some in Canada. It is important to pick plants based on your growing conditions and your own persoanl habits too. I used to water my plants too much and then I switched from potting to mounting. I can water them to my hearts content and they do just fine. Mounted orchids need more watering. You can try growing in wood baskets too. Most of my oncidiums are mounted and do wonderful. Aerangis Biloba is good mouted and does not need too much light. Phalaenosis do good mouted. here are plenty of suitable orchids to start with and mount. I only put one species on a mount. I have several large mounts with more than 1 individual of the same species on it but that is fine. As for the material cork is just the beginning, and it hold up the longest. Basically I would say don't be afraid. Orchids are hardy plants they can tough it out if you give them the right conditions. Trial and error.

[Phal Gal]

I keep calling them Phals, but after reading the NoID thread, I guess they're NoIDs.

So, I put them in clear pots with Orchid Mix. I think they're happy.

I hear a lot of talk about cutting with sterilized scissors and sterilizing the roots. How does one go about sterilizing everything?

[Brenda Aarts]

Heat or Chemicals. I prefer to use a small butane torch on the blades & just make sure they have cooled prior to cutting plant. As for chemicals, I'll let someone else take that on. My torch I got at Lee Valley supplys for approx 35$.

[Phal Gal]

Hmmm.....The thought of chemicals scares me....No room for error....

I have access to a torch. Should I sterilize before cutting a spike? Am I right to assume they are susceptable to bacterial infections?

[Wynn Dee13]

Originally Posted by Phal Gal

I keep calling them Phals, but after reading the NoID thread, I guess they're NoIDs.

So, I put them in clear pots with Orchid Mix. I think they're happy.

I hear a lot of talk about cutting with sterilized scissors and sterilizing the roots. How does one go about sterilizing everything?

If they are Phalaenopsis then they are still Phalaenopsis even if they are a NOID. Phalaenopsis is the genus name. That doesn't change. A NOID means you don't have a hybrid name for it. Which most orchids you buy in grocery stores don't have a hybrid name.

As far as sterilizing, you should sterilize your cutting tool between plants to prevent spreading viruses and other bad stuff. Some people use a flame, some use disposable razor blades and throw them away after using it on one plant, and I use a bleach solution. I soak my tools in a cup of bleach solution in between plants. Before using the tool I rinse the bleach off with water so the bleach doesn't get on the plant. But be carefull, if you keep the tool in the bleach for too long it will ruin them. I don't know what you mean about sterilizing roots, but you don't need to sterilize the roots themselves. Good luck!