[sandra]

Hi all. I've just started buying orchids for the first time. I live in So. Fla., where the weather is great for these beauties but I'm a little (alot) unsure of taking care of them. I've been reading a lot of posts here and have gotten a lot of tips and advice....so glad I found this site. I've recently purchased a dendrobium that was in a 4" plastic container. I transferred it (very carefully) to a 5" clay pot and used medium sized bark. The plant is flowering and flowering....looks beautiful.

The one question I haven't been able to find the answer to is HOW MUCH WATER to give it next weekend. I haven't watered it yet as it was drenched when I purchased it. And when I do water it, should the watering be around the plant, away from the center and on the bark chips?

As well, I bought 2 Phalaenopsis or Paphiopedilum. I don't recall which these were. There wasn't a tag on either plant and no flowers. I bought them at WalMart - they were having a sale and another customer who said he was an avid grower of these, said they were in excellent condition and would start blooming in a few months. As well, I repotted these from 6" to 8" pots, cut back all the rotted, soggy roots and surrounded them both with lots of orchid bark mix. I haven't watered these either and when I do, how much water do I give to these sized potted, potential beauties...if I don't do something wrong first?

I obviously know not enough yet but don't want to become defeated by doing something wrong before I even start out. Thanks to all in advance for your advice!

Sandy