Hello! New to orchids and would like advice

[rocketshipwalker]

Hello, my name is Kayla and I've recently decided that I want an orchid.
I was at Lowes and all the orchids they have out for Mother's Day spurred my interest.
I didn't want to buy one on the spot, because I know next to nothing about them.
I've read through a few threads here and I've learned a little.

When I get an orchid, it will most likely sit on one of my windowsills.
Is there a certain windowsill that would work best?
I have one facing northeast and one facing southwest.

Do different orchids have different care instructions or all they all pretty similar?

Is there anything in particular that I should buy and have ready before I purchase an orchid?

Thanks for reading!
I might have more questions later.

[AnonYMouse]

A northeast window would be good for mid to low light orchids like Phalaenopsis and some dendrobiums and a southwestern window for high light plants like cattleyas, other dendrobiums and cymbidiums. Those are the most common genera but there are many others that take those light situations. Most don't like direct light so have frosted glass or sheer curtains for those windows. The size of windows will effect ambient temperature and relative humidity, so take that into consideration.

Use Andy's selector tool to zero in on a plant. You don't have to buy from them but know that they sell nice plants at a fair price.

If you have a Trader Joe's near by, they have many nice orchids that are relatively easy growers for a very good price. Call vendors that have good reviews in the vendor section of the board. Most will guide you in a selection.

Most importantly, choose a plant you like.

Good luck and have fun.

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board

Most of the common Phalaenopsis that you buy have very simialar care. There are more specialist Phals that vary, and then other types of orchids which can have very different care.

I have Cyprepediums that live outside and actually like to freeze over the winter (they die back to a ryzome under the ground) while other there are other orchids that require high temps, or high humidity. I keep a greenhouse of ones that like to go cold but not freezing in the winter. I keep others in the house that would not like it out there.

Most you find for sale in the big box stores like standard house temperatures and conditions. They make good house plants for that reason.

What makes an easy orchid to grow varies from person to person, as everyone has different growing conditions. Personally I found Phalaenopsis to be an easy starter one and a lot of people do (though there are plenty of people who don't). They are generally a good one for windowsill growing.

[rocketshipwalker]

Thanks for the info!

I'll probably be getting an orchid this weekend.

Could someone tell me exactly what I'll need to buy with it?

Special fertilizer?
A different pot?
Whatever I'm supposed to plant it in?

Thanks!

[The Orchid Boy]

I'd get urea-free fertilizer, Lowes usually sells a "grow" formula from Better-Gro. Don't even bother with the "bloom" formula.

If you buy a phalaenopsis, I LOVE to use clear pots for them. A lot of times an orchid will come in a clear pot that slips into a ceramic one. Otherwise just a plastic pot is fine. You can use clay pots but orchid roots really stick to the sides of clay pots and can be difficult to repot. I never use glazed 'orchid pots' because the glazing can be toxic.

I also love to use straight sphag or a sphag and charcoal mix for almost every kind of orchid I have.

If you have more questions, ask away!

[SlipperGirl]

Welcome to OB

If you plan on getting a orchid from a big box store you really need to know what a healthy orchid looks like because a lot of times the orchids sold in those stores are not healthy.

Also another thing to think about is when you get a new orchid you may need to repot it soon so it would be a good idea to get a pot, I would recommend a plastic pot clear is my favorite because I can see the roots but that's not a must, also make sure the pot has lots of drainage holes.
You will also need a potting mix I like to make my own but there are places that sell ready made mixes repotme.com has mixes and pot if you want to look there.

You can find lots of info on growing different orchids at aos.org.

Hope this helps and don't forget to let us know what you get

[cbuchman]

We don't know where you are, so it is difficult to direct you to a local vendor. It's good to have a positive experience when you're starting out. So a if you have local vendor to guide you, you can select a plant that will thrive and give you pleasure for years to come.

If you want to order from an orchid company. Give them a call and discuss it. The vendors can tell you about culture care and tips and can ensure that you get a healthy plant that won't require re-potting too soon.

Above, all have fun!

[rocketshipwalker]

I live in Florida. The Daytona Beach area, if that helps.
Although, I was most likely going to just get a Phal from Lowes.
I really like those websites. Especially repotme.com.
I might get the orchid starting kit.
I think I've read enough to pick out a relatively healthy one.

[rocketshipwalker]

I went to a couple nurseries this morning and I found a very pretty Phal.
I bought it.
When I can post pictures, I will.
It's currently sitting in my east/northeast window.

It has two spikes. I don't think I've seen that before, so will that be okay?
Also, I didn't notice until I got home, but the wooden stick that the plant is attached to was poked through one of the leaves.
Is there anything I should do for that leaf?

---------- Post added at 12:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:29 PM ----------

I have more questions:

Would you recommend I replant it?
If so, what should I replant it in?
It seems like it's planted only in moss at the moment.

I've seen some 'orchid food'. Do I need to buy some?
If so, what kind?

Also, I've seen some people have trays with pebbles under their orchids on their windowsills.
Do I need to do that, or were they doing that for decoration?

[rocketshipwalker]

They're not the best pictures, but I think they'll do.
You can see where the wooden stick went into a leaf in one of the pictures.
Let me know if you'd like to see a different view.
I can take more pictures.

(Edit: I have no idea why the pictures are horizontal)