orchid virgin needs help....

[footfoot]

hi, i received a big beautiful healthy orchid as a gift. i've never had one before. i think its in the right light and everything because the flowers are all blooming and the leaves are healthy. but now the petals are turning translucent and "vein-like". what does that mean? AND should i use fertilizer? right now i just use distilled water. i just dont want to kill her.

[mayres]

We're going to need a lot more information to help.
Can you update your profile to show where you live?
Does it have a tag with a name? If no, do you know what kind of orchid it is? If not, can you describe what it looks like. A pic would help too if you don't have a tag.
The care of orchids will vary considerably depending on what you have...........

[PhalPal]

Congratulations footfoot!

[articuno75]

Hi Footfoot and welcome to the forum

We have a lot of members here who are glad to help you in any way with your plant, but if you could please update your profile location so that members who are giving you advice, give the most accurate advice as possible.

I agree with Mayres, pics would be most helpful.

[made4engineering]

If you have an orchid, that means you are no longer an orchid virgin! Once you have one, there no going back... You know what they say - Once you start orchids, you'll always want more-chids! Ha ha! uhh.. ok that was dumb.

[BunnytheOrchid]

Hi footfoot! Welcome to the forum As the others suggested, more information will be necessary to assess the situation. If you're not sure what type it is, you can visit the American Orchid Society: AOS | Home
The culture sheets there will have pictures of different types, so you might be able to compare yours to those pictures. But knowing its growing conditions (light, how frequently it is watered, temperature, humidity, etc), will be necessary to know what's going on. A picture is ALWAYS useful too!