Dolores
My mom passed away a week ago, we got these orchids. I have never had to deal with any kind of plants but I really want to take care of this one. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
The Orchid Oasisに戻る 
My mom passed away a week ago, we got these orchids. I have never had… | The Orchid Oasis | Plantaコミュニティ
6件のコメント
9thFloorGreenHouseI’m so sorry for your loss. If I learn anything I will share. I’m a newby too.
いいね 1件- Dolores
Thank you!
0件のいいね
MeasomerPiI am sorry for loss. Legacy plants are a lovely way to remember. Some of my most treasured plants are tied to someone one special. The most important thing to keep in mind is orchids like their water but the LOVE for their roots to dry out. The best way to tell is to look at the roots. Green roots = don’t water. Silver roots = watering time. The type of media dictates how I water. I grow most of my Phalanopsis in bark so they dry out reasonably fast in my growing conditions. When the phal is ready for some water (silver roots), I soak the pot for 10-15 minutes. Each time I water, I use fertilizer at 1/8 to 1/4 strength. Wait until the media dries out (look for silver roots) before watering again. For my setup, that works out to roughly once a week. For plants in sphagnum, I top water only because soaking causes the sphagnum to take in too much water. These orchids usually are ready for water every second week. Again this is based on my growing conditions so watch your plant to determine when it wants water. Once a month flush with pure water to reduce salt buildup (this is especially important if you are using synthetic fertilizer or have hard water). Put your plant in in bright but indirect light. Direct sun will burn a phal pretty quickly. Too low and you won’t get blooms. I have mine an a west window that is shaded by landscaping. They get absolutely no direct sun. If the edges of the leaves turn reddish you know you are at the max limit of sun for your plant. Since this is a newly acquired phal, the media could be at the end of its useful lifespan. Look for tiny particles in the pot (almost like soil or a mushroomy smell. If that’s the case, wait to repot when it’s done blooming. I like to repot mine especially if it’s in sphagnum because I just don’t have luck with growing phals in it. Phalanopsis blooms typically last one to three months, so don’t worry when they start to fade. It’s just part of its natural annual cycle. I cut the inflorescence back to the base of the plant once the final bloom drops. There is a way to try for a second bloom but in my experience the following year flowers tend to be fewer in number and sometimes smaller. However many hobbyists do not experience this. The best tip for orchids is learn. Read up on their care if you are so inclined. There are several channels on YouTube with information on orchid care, like Miss Orchid Girl, Hello Plant Lovers and Growing Orchids With Roger. The American Orchid Society is another handy resource. I especially like their monthly to do lists. If you really want to dive into the rabbit hole, you can look for orchid societies in your area; nothing can replace interacting directly with growers that have been doing it for years. I find caring for orchids very rewarding and mildly frustrating. Luckily they are tough plants. As long as you don’t drown them, you will do great. Good luck!
2件のいいね- Dolores
Thank you so much!
0件のいいね
- Waspinator
If the care tag told you to use ice cubes, don't; it'll hurt the plant. These are epiphytes, so in the wild they'd be clinging to a tree. They like water to directly touch the roots when watering and to air out well between waterings. Do not get water in the crown (the section where all the leaves meet) and dry that area if you splash it on accident. The leaves should be a bright apple or grassy green and will darken if they aren't getting enough light. Too much light makes the leaves turn yellowy with a slight red edge. If it gets dehydrated, the roots wrinkle first, and the leaves wrinkle if it's really dehydrated. Here's a root health comparison for reference
3件のいいね
- Dolores
Thank you!
いいね 1件
