ID & Advice For New Orchid ?

[Mountaineer370]

I'm wondering if this is an orchid that came with instructions to water with ice and if that's what you did? I'm a novice, too, having only gotten my first orchid a couple years ago, so I'm not trying to give any advice, per se, but I just want to say don't get discouraged. Get another plant and try again! I made the mistake of watering my first one with ice for a few months before I learned better. It did survive, but I know I damaged a lot of the roots.

This board is a wonderful resource for information, and I'm sure you'll get a lot of help with your next orchid. Hope to see you around!

[Dollythehun]

Every failure is a chance to learn. Welcome back!

[thblue]

Thanks for the replies. I never watered it with ice, I just gave it a small splash of water every week or so as I read somewhere to be cautious with watering during the winter. If it is beyond saving I will just put it down to inexperience & get another.

thblue

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by thblue

Thanks for the replies. I never watered it with ice, I just gave it a small splash of water every week or so as I read somewhere to be cautious with watering during the winter. If it is beyond saving I will just put it down to inexperience & get another.

thblue

I'm glad you can do that! It's easy to get discouraged, but keep at it! I don't know anyone who grows orchids that hasn't lost a few to learning this hobby!

[thblue]

Thanks. I'll definitely give it another shot, though will maybe do my research a little better this time!

thblue

[Orchid Whisperer]

We all have learned what to do (and not do) and in the process, lost some plants. Glad to hear you will try again!

I advise that when you water, take the inner (plastic) pot out of the decorative pot. Water thoroughly and allow to drain. Don't water again until the bark is nearly dry.

If the orchid comes from the store planted in sphagnum (moss), re-pot into bark as soon as you can. While you are at it, when you repot, switch the plastic pot for an unglazed terracotta pot, which drains better and allows the medium to dry a bit. (The switch to terracotta is not required, but I find it is easier to keep the plant healthy if I change the pot. Some people do prefer plastic).

Also, don't re-pot with the stem buried (encourages rot).Instead, repot with the base of the stem lifted slightly (1 cm) above the medium.

I never leave the orchid displayed in one of the decorative pots from the store because there is not enough air circulation around the pot. You can place the orchid into a decorative container that leaves a bit more room around the pot.

Good luck!

[thblue]

Thanks for the advice! I will certainly take it on board.

thblue