Need help identifying

[lyeastedt]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and new to growing orchids. I took care of a friends dog and they gave me an incredible orchid as a thank you gift. It had no tag so I need to identify it and need help on how to care for it. I live in New England and need to know what temps and sun direction it needs. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[tom499]

You have a phaleanopsis orchid

First thing I would do is check whats going on in that pot. it probably has an inner pot which it grows in. You should be able to carefully take it out and check theres good drainage. Dont let water sit in there as it can rot the plants roots fast.

You will be able to keep that plant blooming beautifully for quite some time if you follow the basics culture There should be a culture sheet for phals on the forum.

Tom499

[tom499]

Orchid Care for Phalenonopis & Paphiopedilum Orchids

Thats a great culture sheet which should give you all the basics for your beauty

Any other questions, dont be afraid to ask. You can use the search function in the top(ish) right to find info fast from past threads.

Tom499

[mayres]

Welcome! That is a beauty. There is a lot of information on this forum, but it might be easiest to start by checking the american orchid society culture sheets online for phalaenopsis - there is a beginner and intermediate care sheet. American Orchid Society - Orchids As Tom has eluded, watering (usually OVER) is the most common newbie problem with this type of orchid. Good bright indirect lighting is safest - though they can be aclimated to accept early morning or late afternoon sun if done slowly. Be careful not to get water in the crown of the plant (early morning would probably not hurt as long as it dries out really well) - which causes crown rot if still damp in the cooler part of the evening. Enjoy! mike

[Sharyn]

Yes, you have a lovely Phalaenopsis, often referred to as the Moth Orchid. It's wonderful that you have so many nice buds! You'll be pleased with this orchid. They're easy to grow and bring great satisfaction with their array of flowers.

Tom has given you a good link for care. Also, check out the AOS culture sheet in the link below. I believe that mayres also has a wonderful link for phal culture, but sorry, I couldn't find it right now.
http://aos.org/aos/orchids/documents/culturephals.pdf

[lyeastedt]

Hi Tom, thanks for your expertise. It is planted right in that pot which is porous on the top and glazed on the bottom. Its also very deep. About 10 inches. How will I know how much water it needs. I can barely get my fingers down the edge and they don't go down to the bottom. Any insight?
Lisa

[lyeastedt]

Thank you for the links. Very helpful. I believe I have the perfect spot, if I can figure out how much to water it. I will continue my research.... Thanks again.

[cindiras]

Hmm! You can check for dryness with a wooden skewer. Wiggle a long one down the side of the pot and leave it there. To check for water, gently pull the wooden skewer up, look for a discolored area on the skewer. If it is all dark-there is way too much water in there! If it is mostly light colored (dry wood) then it is time to water.

[Anton]

lyeastedt could you go to your personal details and update it to show exactly where in England you live (look at Tom's location for an idea) ?

There are several members in England who could offer help specific to your area.

Being the forum "photography teacher in residence", I would like to compliment you on your composition in the first image, love it, that would make a great photo to be mounted.

[Debbie Hayden]

Iyeastedt, That IS an incredible orchid! Wish someone would gift one of those to me!!

[kazjak]

That's a really nice orchid... And those Cabinets!!!!! HOLY MOLY I'm JEALOUS!!!!!

[patticake]

Beautifull! Good luck with your new chid. Keep us posted on how she's doing!

[articuno75]

In another thread, we referred to this picture regarding "branching" Phals. Another member mentioned the name Dtps. Queen Beer. Could be a possibility?

[Betsy]

Where in New England do you live?

[tizzycat]

Skewer use for watering of orchids

Check out the above link for the skewer method of watering. I have found it to be an invaluable indicator of when to water.

I also agree with Tom - I would be inclined to take a very careful look in the pot, if you're not too happy about that you could leave it until after flowering and keep a check on the moisture level with a skewer for now. The main thing is not to have it too wet - that's a shortcut to root rot.

That's a very attractive pot, but I would feel happier if it were in a clear inner pot, so you could see what was going on with the roots.


Chris

[lyeastedt]

Hi all, checking back in after having my new orchid for 3 weeks. Thanks for all your helpful tips. My orchid is doing well, although I got nervous last week when her leaves started to turn a little yellow and two of the tiny, tiny buds fell off. I had her in the east facing window and I think she was getting too much direct sun in the am, so I shifted her to the middle of a very sunny room, facing south so she gets difused sun all day with just a hint of direct sun on her flowers midday. I also put her on a tray of rocks and water and am still working on the watering. I think once a week was too much so I'm checking her everyday and watering her when she needs it. The flowers are still vibrant and beautiful and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she likes her new location better. That's all for now, thanks again.

[fred]

lyeastedt could you please go into your UserCP at the top left of the page and Update your Profile with your Location
as we have members from all over the world we want to give you the right advice as we all have different growing conditions with updating your profile will help us to understand your growing conditions