when can i tell if i'm doing ok with my orchids?

[DDS2007]

i have bought my first two orchids two weeks ago , and have been so good to them and followed all of ur great advice. i want to know if a two-week period without killing my orchids seems long enought to tell if i'm doing ok with them, if i have grasped right watering and lighting conditions.

i want to know so cuz my husband has promised me to buy new orchids if these fisrt two "survived!!"...

what do u think

[Anton]

I would give it a bit longer than 2 weeks.

Just tell him to buy some more "just in case", then, if these survive, you'll have more to play with.

Got to be cunning with spouses.......of both sexes. It's part of the GAME !

[tom499]

From my experience it can take several months before you can truly say there growing well. Now is a better period to know though, spring here, i see much growth in my orchids, with buds and flowers forming.

So basically, a healthy orchid will have good roots, nice green leaves, and signs of new growth, like a new leaf, bulb or a flower

[prisana]

Personally, I think if you are confident about yourself being able to give them the care they need..then you are right on. There are a lot of expert advice on this forum that you can get if trouble arises . Just ask..I've learned a lot from them and still learning every day. Before you know it you'll be expert at it too... Tell your husband the only way to find out is to have more orchids ( I wish that worked with mine ) Don't get discouraged if you happen to kill a couple along the way..we all have..it all just adds to the experience . Happy growing

[jerrymeola]

You should feel good when you can show him some new growth getting larger.

Actually this time of year everything should be growing, but it is exciting to watch when it is you first.

[kmarch]

Dear DDS2007,

When I bought my first orchid I had one goal and one goal only: Don't kill it! It was a Phal and I researched the culture/growing conditions and was careful to give it what it likes. After about 3-4 months it was still alive and good-looking. I moved on to my second goal: Get it to grow! My approach was the same as with the first goal, get the culture right. After another 3-4 months, my little Phal started growing a new leaf. Emboldened with my modest success I started buying more orchids and moved on to my next goal: Get it to bloom! The approach I used to achieve my thrid goal was....guess what....getting the culture right.

I believe if you learn what culture your orchids require and give it to them, you'll see your signs of success in due time. Keep in mind that some orchids can seem slow growing, growing and blooming and resting according to a yearly cycle or sometimes twice a year cycle. It's worth the wait though as orchids can reward us with weeks of beautiful blooms.

Happy growing and keep us posted on your successes!

[janet_a]

since it can take up to a year for a new plant to even acclimate, i'd say you've got a while to go yet.

but i agree with prisana.