[kathleen]

Hi, all!
I got my first two orchids today, and know nothing about how to care for them. So my first question is, do you recommend any books or online resources for learning about orchids? I mean the real, real basic stuff like when to water and how to tell when the plant is starting to rest?

My second question is about my dendrobium. It came in a pot wrapped with decorative paper. When I removed the paper, I discovered white roots growing over the rim and down the sides of the pot. A couple roots are also growing out of the drainage holes in the pot. Is this normal? If not, what should I do? FWIW, the plant care tag says the planting medium is volcanic cinders. Also, one of the stalks and a few of the leaves have some black spots on them. Are those a cause for concern?

Thanks for your patience with a really new newbie!