Orchid Maryland - New to Forum - Orchid Board

archie1709 · #1 09-24-2012, 02:05 PM

Hi everyone! I used to casually keep orchids (mainly Phals) from grocery stores and home depots. I normally end up accidentally smothering them to death after a bloom.

Finally, I was able to take one particular phal seriously and after a bloom, went to youtube and watched how people care about them. To date, one of the spike has grown a keiki plant which made me very happy. It has also grown new roots and a new leaf.

I have since bought Catts online, as well as a phal seedling.

Currently, my orchids are:

Slc Circle of Life x Malworth Orchidglade
Chocolate Drop 'Kodama' Cattleya
Lc Island Springs 'Lenette' Cattleya
Blc Super Spring 'Starburst' Cattleya
three other cattleya seedlings
phaleanopsis equestris 'Tom' seedling

Three more on their way:

Blc Dr Joe Watson 'Ray Mishima' Cattleya
Blc Elsa Hall 'Newberry' Cattleya
Lc Mari's Magic 'H & R' Cattleya

I'd like to begin by saying it is an honor to be a part of this forum and I hope to learn more from everyone.

Now that I am starting this collection indoors, what is the best way to shelve these specimen? Also, any beginner's advice regarding care for these catts and phals will be much appreciated.

cbuchman · #2 09-24-2012, 02:33 PM

Welcome! There is a lot of good information in the forum.

As for care... There is so much to tell. Basic instruction are water and let dry before watering again. Fertilize at 1/2 strength weekly and about every 4 waterings, flush the pots with lots of water to get rid of any accumulated salts. Watch for water getting into the growths and causing rot; if you do get water into a growth, just wick it away with a paper towel.

Catts need medium light. If the leaves look reddish, too much light is the probably cause. Using your hand look for a blurry shadow (bright, but diffuse light). Sometimes, getting the light right is difficult.

Phals like to be a little moister and should not completely dry out. They also like a lower light level. Leaves should be a good grass-green. Always good to Google Orchid Care. Check out the forums on this Board and read, read read...

Generally, a temp drop at night of 10-20 degrees can be helpful to initiate flowering.

Good luck and Welcome!

archie1709 · #3 09-24-2012, 03:44 PM

Thank you so much!

I am excited to read up on orchid care, especially on figuring out how to incorporate temp drops at night. That is a very interesting idea.

I've seen some orchid shelves in Home Depot website, as well as IKEA. I just want to make sure that my shelving would allow light for all plants.

Plenty of information in YouTube and Google about orchids. I am very VERY excited about what I can learn from reading up posts and articles on this website forum.

Thanks for the welcome! See you on the discussion topics!