NEW SPECIES - MANY QUESTIONS
 

Hi there! I am new to this group and I had a few questions on how to properly take care of my orchids. In the past I have only had Phals, but in the past few months I have inherited a couple new gals and I noticed the roots are much skinnier and tighter together than the phals. I have attached the photos and was hoping you could answer the following: Can I/should I repot these 2 into bigger pots? I do know, one is the Witchcraft and this one I just got 2 days ago. I am seeing lots of spots on the leaves and I'm not sure what they are? Can you please advise of lighting and feeding requirements while in bloom?

Can you please let me know what the red one is? It was quite fragrant when I got this in March. At the time, it only had 1 blooming spike and 2 coming in. The original spike now lost all its flowers and the other 2 have bloomed 2 weeks ago...but now there is no scent.

My wonderful husband just purchased a Qing Ming for me and I should get this in the mail this weekend. Is there anything unique about

Last, I have a Phal that is currently blooming with 2 spikes, but it looks like the pot is a little tight. I have seen conflicting information regarding repotting while in bloom. Can you confirm if I can or cannot repot?

Thank you all for your help!

They look like something out of the Oncidium/Odontoglossum Alliance. If so, they need similar conditions to Phalaenopsis, although more light is better if possible. Small roots are normal, but that also means you don't want to let them dry out too much. (Also don't let them sit in water! Sort of similar to Phals.) Hopefully more experienced members can give you more info, I only have a few from this type of orchid!

The red one is something in the Oncidium alliance (it's likely impossible to get a further ID unless it came with the plant). It's probably ok to repot this one (maybe once it's done blooming).

The other is in the Catasetum alliance – there's lots of good info in the Catasetum/Stanhopea subforum, (and also many knowledgeable members). Sunset Valley Orchids is also an invaluable source of information on growing Catasetum/related genera and intergenerics. Regarding the spots, I don't think they're anything to worry about, and since this orchid will drop its leaves later this season, it's not a big deal. Right now it's in its active growth season (as opposed to its dormant season) – this is when it's growing lots of new roots and leaves. You don't want to repot this one right now, since it's actively growing; wait until it enters dormancy (it'll lose its leaves), and you can repot then if you feel that it's necessary.

Repotting a Phal might cause some buds to blast and cause its flowers to drop faster, so unless its potting conditions might contribute to disease, you may want to wait (although you'll see blooms next year anyway).


Hope this helps. :)

The red one is as Dr.Dawn suggests and I agree,,,,similar to phals but a little more light. I also use a finer mixed medium with a few strands of sphagnum for those vs I use straight med. fir bark for my Phals but that's what works in my conditions.

Your new guy is a Catasetum family member. I honestly don't see any spots and wouldn't worry if I did because they are deciduous and will shed them in the fall anyway. Do a search on the forums. There has been lots of recent discussion on growing and repotting these. They are super heavy feeders and water users when in full blown summer growth mode.
In regards to your blooming Phal, I would never re-pot something until it's spent all of its flowers.

---------- Post added at 10:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:14 PM ----------

Wow neophyte.....great minds think alike! :rofl: