Orchid care?

Question

I've had an orchid for about one year now. It was my first orchid and I have managed to keep it alive, but it never rebloomed and just recently it's stem and many of it's full sized leaves have died off. I know now that I should have taken it out of the moss it was packed in and repotted it then, but I was orchid ignorant. Anyhow, I just bought the most beautiful Dendrobium orchid with a green flower and burgandy wine center. I would very much like to keep this one healthy. I've already repotted it with an orchid mixture containing bark, charcoal, and perlite in terra cotta pot. My question is: Exactly how often do you water an Orchid and when do you fertilize it? I've look it all up, but I get conflicting answers.
Also, my poor little sad orchid that I almost killed still has two remaining green leaves but the roots are bad. I trimmed the roots and repotted it in the orchid mix. Do you think it can make a come back? I'd appreciate any feed back.

Answer 1

water when bark feels almost dry. better not to over-water!
take it to the sink and soak the pot till it's thoroughly moistened.
try to avoid getting water on the leaves.
buy orchid food and follow the instructions, but generally feed once a month.
as they say, practice makes perfect so keep trying!

Answer 2

Orchids in nature grow protected from the tropical sun by the shades of trees. Under controlled condition the orchids can be grown in specially designed orchidaria or orchid houses, running North and South and made from materials like split bamboo, glass, shadenets, etc. A central tank filled with water or by using artificial fogging nozzles helps in increasing humidity .However, it must be clear that all types of orchids cannot be grown under one roof. While tropical orchid enjoy humid, warm atmosphere and burst into activity during rainy season, temperate orchid should be growing in cool houses. Orchids dislike sudden change in temperature, however a difference of 10 C - 20 C between day and night temperature is beneficial. The best suitable range is 18 C to 30 C, proper ventilation is must to provide fresh air and also helps in reducing the temperature.

Answer 3

I mist my orchids daily, water thoroughly once a week, and fertilize at one half the recommended rate. Orchids are the largest flower family and are very hardy. It is almost impossible to completely kill one. Keep nurturing your sick plant-it can come back. Best of luck-----

Answer 4

I love orchids too but unfortunately I have managed to kill every orchid I have ever bought,LMAO.

First blooms are gorgeous but I never was able to get them to bloom again. I know it is VERY easy to over water them.

Try the American Orchid Society..perhaps they have some good tips.

http://www.orchidweb.org/aos/