think I am killing my orchid and other questions.

[Canadianorchid]

I got my first orchid last week and I think I overwatered. What can I do to fix this? What do I repot in?I also have other questions, they are on the pictures, please click them to make them bigger. Thank you for your time.
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[jerrymeola]

welcome to orchids.

first relax and do not over analyze.

You have a Dendrobiums often call a Phal type Dendrobiums because it has Den Phalaenopsis (not to be confuse with Phalaenopsis family of orchids) in its parentage.

It is the most common type of orchid and the easiest to grow. I have a friend who calls them weeds they grow so easy.

If you think you over watered do not worry. Over watering is a long time event where you do not give the plant enough time to dry out in between waterings and the plant begins to rot. The quantity of water in one watering is not important. Actually all orchids can be flushed every 3-4 months (where you run water over the plant for 20-30 minutes - after all it is a lot of water when it rains) Dens are very strong and seldom succumb to over watering not that it is impossible but it takes a lot more abuse than say a cattleya. Let the plant dry

You will often find little seeds and moss start to grow in the pot. Pull it out if you do not like it. I pull weeds and leave small ferns.

The roots you see on the top of the plant will dry out and often die, it is unimportant. The plant has many healthy roots and does not need them all.

The spots on the leaves are normal. They will all spot and when leaves die the spots will be large and the leaves will fall off (leaves die at about 18-36 months of age. You will see new growth at the base of the plant.

Same with the holes on the flowers. A bug may have taken a bite, the flower may be near the end of its life, or it could have been physically damaged by something touching it. Water on the pedals of a den flower can often cause damage. while I do not recommend getting to fussy about water but you can avoid getting water on the flowers whenever possible.

[Canadianorchid]

Thank you so much I will let it dry out some more. I have heard about the pencil test and will try that out

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Don't use the pencil test unless you intend to use a new pencil and will leave it in the pot, dedicated to that plant. You want to avoid transfering virus between plants, and always use a sterile tool to cut any part of the plant for the same reason. Yes, let the plant dry out between waterings. This is much more important during winter when the plant is not growing and you can give it a few extra days dry. While growing, you can water before being completely dry. BUT, when you water, do so heavily. You want the mix completely wet, and this probably means watering until a fair amount of water comes out the bottom.

Jerry, I NEVER let ferns grow in orchid pots. They have roots that are as touch as wire. When comes time to repot, they will make the job of getting the old mix out very tough and will result in extra damage to the roots.

Cynthia, Prescott, AZ