I finaly got pictures

[Gene.Staley]

I had a question about my wilsonara,(below), I was watering it and one of the leaves fell off but it was the last one on the pseudo-bulb

I got three orchids on a display in lows, they had them for cheap!!!!! but here they are, unfortunately there were no name labels so if I could get help that would be appreciated.

I got this one too, can't figure it out either.


and last but not least this one, it was in the orchid area but I've never seen an orchid with such a base, is it still an orchid?

[Dendian]

I know exactly how you feel, my first two orchids were from Lowes, and they had no tags either.

First off, welcome to the Forum. I have had lots of help here, and there are lots of nice people.

I believe the first orchid you have (the wilsonaria) is in the Onc. alliance, these are a varied bunch, but usually like fine grade media, and like to be kept damp but not wet. Sometimes old leaves will fall off an old bulb, that is ok. The plant will still use it for food/water storage so leave it on.

The second orchid is definately a Paph. I have only one of these, in moss. [URL="http://www.ladyslipper.com/1stpaph.htm"]

Third orchid (and yes, it is an orchid) is a Den. phal-type. Drat, I can't find the link for this one, maybe somebody else who has it will come along, I will keep looking....

None of them will have a proper name, there are just too many crosses and flowers can look exactly the same but have different parents (and hence different names).

The only thing that you have to watch out for is that plants from Lowes have not usually been cared for properly, and you will want to check the root health immediately. If you move some of the potting media and see lots of green plump roots then you can wait for them to finish blooming. If you can't see any good roots, then you will need to take them out, clean them up and repot into media that you are comfortable with.

If you need help, always ASK......

[Gene.Staley]

thanks, Dendian I'm only really concerned with one that I got root wise, it's really overgrowing it's pot, it's the Den type one, my wilsonara has actually put out a new sprout thing, I don't know what it is called, so I'm feeling ok about it. where as my phal which is about to bloom again from the store, another lows one. I think it needs re-potting but I'm not sure. it's a big white one with lots of air roots, do I need to keep it in moss or would be putting it in the bark stuff be better?

[kmarch]

The Paph needs culture that is a bit different form the den and the oncidium. Paphs need a gently, evenly, constantly moist medium. They should not be allowed to dry out completely. The mix they're grown in is often a bit different than that used for dens and oncidiums. Take a look at the AOS culture sheets found at AOS | Members Only Area or on this forum.

[Gene.Staley]

oh looking at the pictures I won't have my wilsonara up there just the ones I got from lows.

[tansyflower]

Looks like you have some nice buys.

The den is very cool, I like the stumpy canes. Dens do like to be in small pots. However, it does look like this one may need the next size up. I use wide flat terracotta pots for dens (and some other orchids, including oncidiums) as they tend to be top heavy, especially in flower. The wide heavy pot counteracts this a bit.

After repotting, if the plant shows the inclination to topple out, tie them in with some string or wire. They will settle in faster and better.

[Gene.Staley]

thanks all now another question, I kinda jump started re-potting my phal which is currently in bloom, after it bloomed once, I'm not too worried if the bloom dies but...... I had to get the moss out and over half of the roots were rotten through I loosened the moss cuz it was packed really tight but didn't give it new moss or other potting medium, do I need a different medium and or new moss for it, and would "re-potting" it again hurt it for more than it is worth?

[Dendian]

You will want to re-pot the Phal. when you get potting mix that you are comfortable using, but for now you can put the old moss back in. Just cut off the rotten roots, sprinkle cinamon on the cut ends. It should be potted loosely, not like it was before. Just enough moss to hold it upright in the pot without falling about when you move it.

If you want to try using the moss, then you will also want to use the skewer method to learn to gauge when the moss is dry enough to water. You will want to use new moss, as the old stuff will deteriorate very rapidly and it is better to know approximately when you will need new moss (about once a year) than to be surprised when it goes, If you want to use bark there are a few good suggestions around the Forum, just search for "potting" and Phals.

You have to learn what works for you. I use moss for the phals and bark for the dens and catts and Onc. alliances I have. This is what seems to work for me.