Help!

[Go Mifune]

I've got a Pelatenthera Insectifera that seems to be dwindling away. I've never cared for one of these so any help as far as watering, feeding, general environment would be appreciated.

[kmarch]

Hi Go and welcome to the forum.

Before launching into how to care for your orchid, the correct spelling of the name is: Pelatantheria insectifera.

Your orchid is in the same famiy as a Vanda and the culture will be similar. You can download a free Vanda culture sheet form the American Orchid Society website www.aos.org.

Your orchid comes from south-east Asia and likes medium to high light, warm temperatures (60-65 at night 85+ daytime), and humidity. You could grow it in a basket like Vanda. If you have it in a basket with its roots hanging, you'll probably need to water it by spraying or soaking the roots daily or nearly so. How much humidity do you have?

Without knowing your geographical location it is difficult to be more specific.

It's a good tule of thumb to research the culture/care of an orchid before you buy it. This helps to ensure that your orchid will do better after you bring it home and will reduce your frustration with ailing plants.

Let us know if you have more questions.

[fred]

hi and welcome to the forum
I hope you enjoy your stay here with us.
kmarch has some very good information for you there

dont be scared about asking questions as the members here have heaps of knowledge that they are willing to share with you.

happy chatting

[Go Mifune]

Thanks for the warm welcome and the advice. I currently have it tied to a piece of driftwood and mist it generously 3 to 4 times a day. I recently started adding a 20 20 20 fertilizer so it looks like I'm on the right track. Oh, I live in Massachusetts too. I'm going to update my profile when I get a chance. I've got a few orchids that I know could be doing better and this looks like the right place to get them on the right track.