Kathy116

I found this Orchid site...wow there are lots of varities...since you are an expert in this I thought I would ask you if there is a major difference in the maintenace of the different kinds

Orchids

Thanks for the website

I have many varieties of orchids, and technically they do need different care, but I keep them all in windows facing the east, and tend to water them ALL once a week (or I let a little more time go by with my catteleyas, but all you need to do is stick your finger in the soil, and when it's dry, time to water).

Supposedly the Lady Slippers like more shade than the other orchids, but I treat my Lady Slippers exactly the same way as I treat the more popular Phaleanopsis orchids, and they all do great.

Kathy,

I hate to say this, but I recently killed my Phalenopsis, but I absolutely adore orchids. I def think I showered it with too much love(aka - water). Does having the plants at a window facing east help? I want to buy another but I am scared I will murder this one too and they are pricey!! Also, my co-op is really dry, do you think that had anything to do with it?

p.s. - your like the orchid guru for all of us !!

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Posted by teach2be
p.s. - your like the orchid guru for all of us !!

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So true! Thanks for you help Kathy, we all appreciate it!

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Posted by teach2be

Kathy,

I hate to say this, but I recently killed my Phalenopsis, but I absolutely adore orchids. I def think I showered it with too much love(aka - water). Does having the plants at a window facing east help? I want to buy another but I am scared I will murder this one too and they are pricey!! Also, my co-op is really dry, do you think that had anything to do with it?

p.s. - your like the orchid guru for all of us !!

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Thank you, but I honestly don't know all that much....I found doing less is best!
I leave them alone, and mine seem to love the early morning sun (the east facing windows). An expert told me NEVER give them southern exposure, the sun is too strong and will burn the leaves.

I don't think the co-op being too dry was all that harmful...Phalenopsis is quite hardy, when you say you killed it, did you take the plant out of the pot, and check out the root system?
I recently bought a beautiful Phaleonopsis, but it seemed to loose buds, I unpotted the plant, and the roots were completely rotted, the plant had been overwatered big time. Hopefully it will survive, I cut most of the dead roots, and repotted...so far, so good, it's even in bloom.

I would say the biggest 'killer' of orchids is overwatering...like I said before, I water most of them about once a week, or maybe even every 10 days, and I give them about 1 liter of water (some of the larger plants get more, my Lady Slippers get less).

I hope this helps....once in a while I fertilize the plants as well, but I didn't for years, and the fertilizer doesn't seem to do that much for them.

Post some pics when you get another orchid.

Hi Kathy

I re potted mine. They seem to be doing better. The soil I used seems to be very 'lose' and has big chunks in it. The package says its for Orchids. Is that what you use to re - pot yours?

Thanks

I use potting soil that has those little white styrophome balls in it (sometimes I line the bottom of the pot with styrophome peanuts to areate the plant, but not all the time...I also mix in orchid bark, and put orchid bark on the top.

We'll see how the do, it's not necessarilly the correct way, so I'll see.

Thanks Kathy for all the help. I think I am going to try and buy myself another orchid soon. I am def going to hold back on so much water this time.

I just bought my first orchid!



I know its nothing special but I think the plain white ones are so gorgeous.
After I keep up with this one for a while, I think I will purchase a few more.

Thanks for turning me on to these Kathy!

thats a beautiful one.


I have an orchid that is not doing to well. I am going to try kath116's repotting advise.

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Posted by dgtlsunshine

thats a beautiful one.


I have an orchid that is not doing to well. I am going to try kath116's repotting advise.

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How long have you had your orchid? I don't know if repotting is necessary, but you can judge, definately check out the roots, and don't be surprised if it goes into shock after repotting, but don't give up, it should come around.

Don't pick a huge pot, because orchids do like tight spaces.

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Posted by lilmrs

I just bought my first orchid!



I know its nothing special but I think the plain white ones are so gorgeous.
After I keep up with this one for a while, I think I will purchase a few more.

Thanks for turning me on to these Kathy!

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YAY!!! It's beautiful, I'm so glad you bought one, you'll love it.
These phaleanopsis stay in bloom for months.

I rec'd it in the mail and just wanted to post some pictures! Just wanted to follow through.



It looks gorgeous and I am very happy with the way it shipped.

YAY! Congrats!

It's so exciting to watch those little buds open and produce such beautiful flowers!

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Posted by Kathy116

YAY! Congrats!

It's so exciting to watch those little buds open and produce such beautiful flowers!

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I can't wait, the two tht are open came that way...but I am very excited to see those other buds open for the first time too.


I had no idea flowers could be so much fun!

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Posted by lilmrs

Lori- You should get one, from what I understand, they are very easy to take care of!

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I would, but I'm currently working on caring for a cactus, unsuccessfully......I would hate to kill something as beautiful as an orchid!

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Posted by palebride

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Posted by lilmrs

Lori- You should get one, from what I understand, they are very easy to take care of!

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I would, but I'm currently working on caring for a cactus, unsuccessfully......I would hate to kill something as beautiful as an orchid!

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I am the same way, unfortunately. Plus I have the added problem of my cats who love to chomp on plants!

Deb- your orchid is gorgeous and I love all the photos in the background!