---
title: "My first orchid. I pass them by at the grocery but today I got…"
description: "My first orchid. I pass them by at the grocery but today I got trapped. I’m hoping it stays small. I love the big sweeping sprays of flowers but I just don’t…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/hGdzgUiOd7jQpBFJ2cY9Pf"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "9thFloorGreenHouse"
published: "2025-10-20T19:14:50.745151Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/4Qxv1kYocRUKyZNQMXApLrSpND1kR0M_qFy1VNOL9Bc/QrDNkGFBRUaXZ6_lc10l6g.webp?size=large"
---

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# My first orchid. I pass them by at the grocery but today I got…

_Posted by 9thFloorGreenHouse on 2025-10-20_

My first orchid. I pass them by at the grocery but today I got trapped. I’m hoping it stays small. I love the big sweeping sprays of flowers but I just don’t have the right sort of place for one. I need to read up! I know nothing!

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/4Qxv1kYocRUKyZNQMXApLrSpND1kR0M_qFy1VNOL9Bc/QrDNkGFBRUaXZ6_lc10l6g.webp?size=large)

## 3 comments

### Waspinator commented on 2025-10-20

The leaves will stay about the same size; it'll mostly grow upwards, just adding new leaves on top. The roots will expand outwards a bit, but they stay close to their original size. Never use ice cubes on orchids. They're epiphytes (they cling to trees in nature), so they like to get water directly on the roots when watered, and need to dry out well between waterings. Don't get water in the crown (where the leaves meet) and don't let the roots sit in stagnant water. Orchids like bright indirect light. If it is dehydrated, roots wrinkle first, then the leaves. Have a nice time with your new orchid!

### panda commented on 2025-10-21

I recommend MissOrchidGirl on youtube. She has a whole series on beginner Phalaenopsis care (Phalaenopsis is the species of your orchid). I'd start with videos of proper watering and then repotting after that. Learning how to water correctly is the most important part of care (followed by type of media, but that really falls under proper watering, as media choice will impact water retention). Phals prefer a wet/dry cycle, which means letting their roots dry completely before watering again, otherwise they are prone to root rot.

### 9thFloorGreenHouse commented on 2025-10-25

Thank you Waspinator and panda! I wish you made house calls!

It’s a problem naming plants after great people, you really don’t want to bring about their demise!

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