my first shipment came in - small!
 

Hello. I just received my very first order of orchids via mail. I got 2 phals and 2 paphs. I knew they would be small (2.5-3" pots), but was surprised at how small they could be! One phal is a decent size. Two are on the smaller side but have healthy leaves and roots.

The size of one paph though makes me especially nervous. Just looking at the little roots, and then the pot it came in, makes me think that this is a disaster waiting to happen. The leaves are also a bit limp. Should I find a smaller pot.....like a thimble, maybe!?! I would appreciate some advice on potting and fertilizing an orchid this small. I really didn't expect one to come in so small.

Thanks in advance!

Make sure the plant is stable in whatever you plant it in, paphs don't need to be necessarily root bound. They seem to have fewer roots than phals. Paphs grow slow so it'll be a while before you might see flowers on those. Oh and congrats on a good start! I'm sure these will soon be joined by more friends.

they,ll make it ok. just be dilligent on the watering and humidity.
i,ve bought orchids that small.
it,s the only one i can affort on a pensioners check. lol

They're good to go... They all look healthy and that's most important to get you off to a good start... Just follow normal guidelines about maintenance (water, light, etc.)... As far as fertilizing... I would only do it at a very weak strength like every third watering until they're re-established... You don't want to shock your plants, because they'll take that much longer to mature to blooming ;)

Best wishes and best of luck!

Hello! Thank you all for the advice. They do look healthy, which is a good start. All my other orchids were purchased either in bloom or close to it so this experience will certainly be different. Thanks again!

it will teach you LOTS of patience.

Patience indeed. Once these grow into mature, blooming specimens you can claim the fame that YOU were responsible for the "upbringing" of your 'chids! ;)

I would definitely need plenty of patience! In the meantime I should get more orchids to keep myself from becoming impatient! :)

I certainly hope I'll be able to bring these up successfully.

I rescued some Catt's from a BBS a few months ago that were that small but as you've read, light, water and diligence will get you started on the road to blooms.

If you can't find a pot small enough, use the measuring cup off of a bottle of nyquil and put some holes in it.