Hey Y'all! I need some help!

[koelsch3]

I moved into a new apartment and found a sad little plant on my balcony. I didn't know what it was or if it was even alive, the stalk is/was brown and dried out, but the leaves are green still. weird. I started a little balcony garden, and decided to add a little fortified potting soil to the top and sides since it seemed to big for the container. i've been keeping i watered, and recently found a potting tag that only says Dendroblum Elma White. also, two new shoots are sproutg up out of the soil. I googled the name, which led me to your site, and have read a few other threads on this kind of orchid, but i still have so many questions. i live in Jacksonville, Fl. it's on my east/southeast facing balcony, getting morning, late morning sun, and afternoon shade. is this appropriate? Also, i have come to realize it was planted in moss, just very very dried out, so should i risk the new shoots and try to remove the potting soil? it seems to have done it some good. i usually water about once a week, with my other plants. is this too much? should I make sure it's completely dry before watering? I know it's alot of questions, but thanks in advance for all your help

[mayres]

I have an Emma White as well. Nice white flowers. You might want to start by reading the culture sheets for dendrobiums - phal type - http://www.aos.org/aos/orchids/page01.aspx. Sounds like it does need to be repotted - NOT in soil. There are a number of good choices - dends are commonly put in bark, rock, sphag moss, and other types - what is best depends upon your area and culture practices. Watering practices will vary depending upon time of year and your area and placement. The culture page should give you a good idea. Good luck - mike

[kmarch]

Den Emma White was originally bred for the cut flower trade. It tends to be very flouriferous putting out multiple spikes with lots of pure white flowers on each spike. Once you're repotted it and get it on the road to recovery, and probably after it has grown a couple of nice strong canes for you it will start blooming with arching sprays of pure white flowers. It's a beauty, great for growing up big for impressive show displays. Follow Mayres' advice and it should do well for you if you rescued it in time.