What kind of orchid is this?

[jennygn]

Hi, I'm new to your forum! My mother gave me a beautiful orchid today as a gift, and while searching google trying to ID it, I found the Orchid Board forums. I've never had one of these plants, so I am at a loss!! The only ID on the plant itself was just "orchids".

After comparing pictures, I *THINK* I have a Phalaenopsis. Is this right?? And, if so, does anyone know the specific species of Phalaenopsis it is?

Is it normal for the roots to be growing up and out of the container like in the picture of my orchid?

Also, are there any recommended websites that have good information for beginner orchid care?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Yes, it is a Phalaenopsis. Moreover, it is a Phalaenopsis hybrid without an ID.

You can get a basic idea of how to grow a Phal with the first 15 pages of the sticky: http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html

[Bud]

Yes you are right you have a mini-Phalaenopsis.

this is the simplest and easiest guide I can get for you:

Phalaenopsis Orchid Care - Carter and Holmes Orchids Culture

[WhiteRabbit]

Yes, orchid roots often climb all over, out of the pot, into the air ... Many, including Phalaenopsis, are epiphytes (grow on tree limbs), so, roots don't always grow downwards.

[jennygn]

Thank you everyone!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If that decorative pot doesn't have a drainage hole, I recommend you get one with a drainage hole. Because Phalaenopsis usually grow on trees in the wild, the roots will need some air to get into the pot.

I also recommend removing the orchid from the clear plastic pot and throwing out the moss in favor of using large grade bark chips.

[RosieC]

As everyone has said, it's a Phal. There are many many hybrids of Phalaenopsis and most sold don't have any ID, but are just as pretty without one

[jennygn]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

If that decorative pot doesn't have a drainage hole, I recommend you get one with a drainage hole. Because Phalaenopsis usually grow on trees in the wild, the roots will need some air to get into the pot.

I also recommend removing the orchid from the clear plastic pot and throwing out the moss in favor of using large grade bark chips.

Thank you! I've actually just taken it out of the ceramic pot for now until I get something else, as you're right, and it does not have a drainage hole. I'm planning to get a mix that has fir bark, hardwood charcoal, and sponge rock... Will that be okay?

I read over some of the thread you suggested and the website that Bud gave me. Do I need to wait until it loses its blooms before I change the moss out with something else, or are you saying I need to do it as soon as I can? There are a couple of rotting roots on the bottom that need trimmed back... When do I do this? Do the aerial roots look okay in the pics, or do they look to be dying? I'm confused about that. I don't know if they are dying, if I need to cut them back, too.

Sorry for all the questions, but I do appreciate everyone's help!!

[Skribbane]

I'm still new with orchids myself, but in respect to changing the medium whilst in bloom, I've read conflicting opinions. I went ahead with it with several of my phals, and none dropped their blooms. If the roots clearly look to be rotting then my personal opinion would be to repot ASAP. The aerial roots look fine to me

[Wynn Dee13]

You can repot Phals while in bloom. The biggest risk is accidentally snapping the spike. You can wait if you be careful watering. Most people tell new orchid growers to get rid of the moss because a lot of people over water with moss. Personally I prefer moss over anything else. You just need to learn how to water it. As far as the roots go, if they are squishy/hollow they are dead and can be cut off. If they are firm they are fine. Phal roots turn green when wet and are usually a silvery color when dry. When you trim anything off of your plant sterilize your cutting tool and always sterilize the tool in between plants. If you have more than one. Good luck!