Can i get some advise for my new chid,please?

[wickidgrrl]

Hi everybody
This past Sunday, i went to Walmart, and found some orchids on clearance. They were pretty sad looking, but i found the only one that looked the most healthy,with a bonus of a fledgling spike growing. Not bad for 7 bucks. I don't know about you guys, but i always get sad to see the orchids in Wal-mart. They never take care of them like they should. What a waste to see them dying. But a good thing to come out of it is, you can sometimes find great orchids in those bags or on clearance. Anyway, just thought i would ask for some help with this one. It is a Dtps., and will have waxy, speckled flowers with a red lip. It should produce multiple spikes once it gets healthier. It came in a 4-in. plastic pot, within a clay one. So should i repot it in the same pot after i wash it? Or go a little bigger? Orchid mix alone or with some spagh? Pics attached, and all replies greatly appreciated, Thanks!!
-Joan

[mayres]

That actually looks like a reasonably healthy plant - good job!
I'd pull it out of the pot/media and clean up all the roots and repot as soon as you get the time (probably same pot) - many of us do this upon EVERY purchase - any issues that come up in the future we know where we started from that way. I would not pot into a larger pot at this time. You may end up removing some root material prior to your repot - chances are pretty good you will. Type of media to use is TOTALLY up to your comfort level - you should over time try several different types and see what works best for your area and culture habits. There are many options that will work and everyone who has grown for some time has their favorite(s). Both options you noted will work. My personal favorite is a coir/perlite/charcoal mix that I've noted on the forum in several threads - but it is not for the newbie or person who might be potentially overwatering. As you noted, nice to have a new spike coming - enjoy!

[NancyH]

Hi, Well it looks beautiful and healthy. GOod deal for the price. I don't know, but are you sure it is a Dpts? Looks like a Phal to me. Any other's out there think the same? Nancy

[rodcuda]

It does look like a good plant. I would repot it in the same pot after removing any dead roots. Treat the ends of any roots you cut with a little cinnamon. Potting mix is up to you, spagh may work well for you if your plants are indoors and you repot yearly. It could be a phal or a dtps. Good luck.

[amersault]

i have the exact same plant - looks like you've also got a DTPS LONG PRIDE FANCY.

here's what mine looks like so you can compare.

good on you for rescuing it!

you can repot this after the bloom fades. remember to only cut to about 1/2" before the first node beneath the last bloom. these like to rebloom on subspikes. i repotted mine in bark mix; time will tell if this blooms this summer.

[wickidgrrl]

Thanks for your replies. Mayres, nancy h, rodcuda, and amersault! Yes, nancy it is a dtps. Amersault has the same plant!