when blooming is over

[itsme]

As a newbie to orchid growing, I'd like to know when my orchid is done blooming and trimmed back, do I continue to fertilize as often or water differently? Should anything be done to insure new blooms?

[mayres]

Yes. You essentially continue to take care of them the same year round (the main types available and purchased by the general public) - of course they will generally require more frequent watering during the middle of summer as during middle of winter. You repot them at different times in their cycle, etc. But general care - watering and fertilizing for most orchids can be done the same all year. If you have a large collection with species plants and less common plants then this is a whole different story. If you have nobile dendrobiums for example - they have a definate change in season care process. Do you know what kind of orchid(s) you have? This might help in giving you further assistance if you have further questions. (cute name)

[itsme]

I believe I have a purple Phalaenopsis - it's my first orchid. You mentioned repotting them at different times in their cycle. How do I know when to repot my plant?
Yes. You essentially continue to take care of them the same year round (the main types available and purchased by the general public) - of course they will generally require more frequent watering during the middle of summer as during middle of winter. You repot them at different times in their cycle, etc. But general care - watering and fertilizing for most orchids can be done the same all year. If you have a large collection with species plants and less common plants then this is a whole different story. If you have nobile dendrobiums for example - they have a definate change in season care process. Do you know what kind of orchid(s) you have? This might help in giving you further assistance if you have further questions. (cute name)[/QUOTE]

[mayres]

If you have a phalaenopsis (phal or moth orchid) you "could" repot it any time. If your plant was taken care of properly before you purchased it, it probably will not need to be repotted for a year or so. Unless it is potted in sphag or some mix including sphag, most other mixes will go a couple of years for phals. It will be time to repot when the media begins to break down and become soggy/sponge-like. Instead of being firm and providing circulation/air spaces between media particles - it will compact down and not drain or aerate well. If you get into orchids in a significant way you may eventually (like me) like to repot your plants not long after you get them to put them in a specific media that you are most comfortable with (there are lots of options available) - this also provides an opportunity to inspect the roots for damage and remove portions of necessary - oftentimes the previous owner may have overwatered and deteriorated the growers good growing work. If/when you do repot - keep the pot size as small as you can comfortably fit all the roots in. Be careful with overwatering - this is the first problem with beginners and orchids. With phals - do not put in direct sunlight either - good bright indirect light. A little early morning or late afternoon sun can work but be careful - if the leaves get very warm without enough air movement to cool they will burn. Good luck - Mike

[itsme]

my orchid came in a painted ceramic pot with holes in the sides of it ... there is some spaghnum moss on top ... I really don't know what medium it's actually in under that ...I was afraid to look! :-( ... When I do repot it, is there any one better mix to use?

[mayres]

When it comes to media "best" depends on a lot of factors. Where in the world you live and what kind of care-giver you are going to be tops among them. In the wild these plants grow on trees with NO media. I usually recommend that newbies start out with a medium to coarse bark with or without some perlite mixed in - usually available in stores that carry houseplants. Keep the pot size as small as you can get all the roots into. Soak 24-48 hours ahead of time. As you get more involved with orchids you may want to try other options that are not so coarse, but this option helps with the issue of potentially overwatering. I assuming that your plant is in a plastic pot that has been set inside of a ceramic pot (?) and for decoration has moss on top only (?). If this be the case, you will want to lift out your plant from its decorative pot when you water let plenty flow through and drain well. Unless the media has started to signicantly break down (soft, mushy, compacted) you are probably good for at least a year or so. Enjoy! mike

[itsme]

Thx for all the advice ... cross your fingers that I won't kill it off ! :-)