New to Orchids

[dblaine]

Hello! This is my second orchid. My first orchid was a phal and I think it may have received too much water and direct sunlight. The leaves turned yellow and easily broke away from the crown.

I'm posting a pic of my new orchid in hopes someone can help me identify the species and give me some directive on the best ways to care for this plant.

I think this is a dendrobium, can anyone confirm this is correct?

This beauty is currently sitting atop a bookshelf in a bright, east facing window. I purchased this plant last weekend and have not given it any water as of yet.

I live in northern CA so the climate is somewhat mild and not a lot of humidity save for in the winter/rainy season.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Hi, welcome to the OB.

What you have there is another Phalaenopsis. It is a man-made hybrid not a species. If it didn't come with a name tag that specifies what it is, it would be considered a NOID (aka no I.D.).

Dendrobiums that are commonly sold to the general public are generally also man-made hybrids. They superficially resemble bamboo.

[tucker85]

Welcome to Orchid Board! Like Phillip said it's a phalaenopsis and I think it's a very pretty one. You're correct that over watering can be a problem, especially planted in moss. Wait until the medium is almost completely dry before rewatering. Enjoy your flowers and when it's finished flowering come back to the Orchid Board to get help with repotting into a more appropriate medium. Good luck.

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by dblaine

Hello! .....
I live in northern CA so the climate is somewhat mild and not a lot of humidity save for in the winter/rainy season.....

You do not say what part of Northern Ca you are in but there are many orchid societies in the Bay Area as well as north, south and east of that. As a new grower, you might be interested in visiting one local to you. All the societies I know of welcome guests.

There is also the Peninsula Orchid Society Show and Sale coming up in Redwood City, CA Jan 28th and 29th with seminars on all genera both days. For more information: Peninsula Orchid Society

CL

[Merlyn]

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome.
This link pretty much gives all the information you need to grow healthy phals.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html
Joann

[Gage]

Originally Posted by Zoi2

Hello and welcome.
This link pretty much gives all the information you need to grow healthy phals.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html
Joann

I second that. And welcome!

[dblaine]

Thanks so much for all of the welcomes and suggestions - you've been most helpful.

[The Orchid Boy]

Looks like a phal. Dendrobiums are usually very tall and are sympodial. Phals are short when not in bloom and are monopodial.

[jrodpad]

Welcome aboard. You get extra credit for posting a pic with your question .

Please ask questions and don't be shy - the folks on the OB are super-friendly and are a great resource.

- J