New to orchids - Orchid Board

Ellis1929 · #1 01-05-2007, 09:48 PM

I have backed into this in that I am a relief Parmacist where a floral dept exists. One day I saw they were about to discard several of them and on inquiring I ended up bringing several of them home. Since that time I have aquired several and am studying on how to handle them. All seem to be surviving and I don't know how or what to do. I have them in a sun room where light is good, temp about 65 to 75 depending. Have been watering about once a week with light fertilizer. Some new shoots are erupting. When may I expect to see bloom stem coming and what else should I do?
Ellis 1929

Tindomul · #2 01-05-2007, 09:52 PM

Hi, and Welcome to the Orchid Board!!! We can't tell you when they will bloom because we don't know what they are. Take a quick look at this forum:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community/orchid-alliances/

Then you should be able to tell us the general type of orchid you have. After that, we can start giving advice.
Also, it would be helpful if you told us what kind of potting material you are using. I hope we can help you out!

cb977 · #3 01-05-2007, 10:10 PM

Hi Ellis and welcome to OrchidBoard

If you could tell us what kind of orchids you were lucky enough to stumble upon, we'd be happy to help you in growing them

Where are you located?

Ellis1929 · #4 01-05-2007, 10:25 PM

I live in Atlanta. These are all common I think, Phalanop and I have 5 pots of 3 each Phcal.Kryptonite Ursule AM/aos, 3 plants in a blue delph container with no drain holes. Most of these are in the medium that looks like moss ( you can see how green I am). I am geting thes for nearly nothing since they can't give them to me. I'm 77 yrs old and have British auto and wanted something else to get educated into.
Ellis1929

justatypn · #5 01-05-2007, 10:27 PM

Aboard Ellis, great to have you join our community. It's a great place to find a wealth of information and the members will be more than happy to help in anyway we / they can. Enjoy our personal

gallery and share your orchid

and enjoy our members

s as well.

Ellis1929 · #6 01-05-2007, 10:31 PM

I have cattelya, cymbidium and phalaenopsis
Ellis1929

Ellis1929 · #7 01-05-2007, 10:37 PM

I'm not sure I am working this forum correctly. Please excuse. I will keep tryiny to communicate
Ellis1929

cb977 · #8 01-05-2007, 10:39 PM

Hi Ellis...

I have Phaiocalanthe Kryptonite Ursula (although it's supposed to be Chariot of Fire, but that's another story).
I find this plant does well in a shaded area of my lanai.

What yours is growing in is called sphagnum moss. You'll find that everybody grows their 'chids in different ways...some stay with moss, others prefer bark mix and I have mine in aliflor, which is expanded clay pellets.

I think it should be in a pot with plenty of drainage though. The moss holds lots of water, and with no air circulation, the roots will turn to mush. Air circulation is key to growing 'chids.

cb977 · #9 01-05-2007, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ellis1929

I'm not sure I am working this forum correctly. Please excuse. I will keep tryiny to communicate
Ellis1929

You're doing fine, Ellis...
feel free to ask any of our members for help if you need it

Ellis1929 · #10 01-05-2007, 10:44 PM

Even tho the pots look good I suppose I should remove them to another pot with drainage. Theos were made for selling. I have several more to pick up when I work again. Even if I loose them it is enjoyable to try to learn something new
Ellis1929