First time orchid owner

[specialk]

I've always wanted to grow orchids,today I purchased my first one. can you give me general info on caring for it? What kind of light it needs? When to water? Should I repot it right away from the store? Any info will be appreciated....specialk

first congratulations to you. next, what kind of orchid did you buy? is there a tag in the pot with a name? that all helps. lots of info at the aos site culture sheets. or come back with a few details and we will try to help.
my advice is don't do anything until the orchid has become adjusted to your new enviornment.

[jerrymeola]

Your post displays the biggest problem with a first time orchid purchase. You did not determine if the orchid is approprite for your growing conditions.

Most purchases are either Phalaenopsis, cattleyas, oncidiums or dendrobiums.

Phalaenopsis will not like direct sun and are consider a house plant or total shade outside. they do best from 50-75 degrees and need a cool evening temperature drop (20 degrees less at night then day) to initiate flowering.

Cattleyas and dendrobiums are best outside or indoors with supplimental lighting. They will grow fine in a house but there is usually not enough light to make them flower again. They like half day sun - morning sun and afternoon shade is good.

Oncidiums take the same care as Cattleys and dendrobiums but with a little less sun. Start with morning sun and afternoon shade and reduce the sun exposure if you see any signs of burning. (brown across the middle of a leaf)

I suggest to my customers to determine where you want to grow the orchid and then choose something that is appropriate for those conditions. There are about 300,000 named orchids so there is no reason to try to force something that is inappropriate for your conditions.