what to do with an orchid??

Question

I was just given a potted orchid for my birthday, but since I've never had one before I don't know how tocare for it. Can I please get so beginners tips, such as how much or how little water does it need, do you have to repot regularly, what do I do when it gets TOO long since it's about 2and a half feet up into the air out of the pot!! any good advice that would insure that the plant keeps alive and well will be very appreciated, since it is a gift from my husband and I would want it to last a long time. thank you.

Answer 1

Orchid flowers lasts for several months. Do not over water. Either spray the plants with water well once a week or just add a little water to the pot and very little do not soak it. When the flowers fall off just leave the plant alone till the next growing season which is about a year the stem will go brown do not cut it off it will turn green again and bud, it needs the stem for food. The large leaves and roots will remain green throughout out the year If you re pot the plant do so only after the plant has gone dormant.

Answer 2

Hi, it would be useful to know what type of Orchid that you have, as they have varying cultivation needs.

Typically the potted houseplant varieties don't grow in soil, in their natural environment. Often, just growing on tree branches is how you'd find them.

There are some very common orchids that are sold for home use:
Phalaenopsis - very fleshy leaves
Cymbidium - thin, reed-like leaves
Oncidium - false 'bulbs' at the base of leaves

Typically most need good light in order to flower well, though direct strong sunlight will often scorch and damage them.

Watering is often best done by plunging your pot into some rain-water for a few minutes, about once a week or so. Overwatering can cause rot.

Humidity is typically great for them, similar to their natural moist environments.

Feeding is best done less than most houseplants, about every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing period.

Repot every 2 or 3 years, and being pot-bound is usually fine for them. Use a special Orchid potting mix (you can also get orchid feed mixes too).

If you have Phalaenopsis, don't rush to cut off stalks, when flowers drop, as they will often resprout, and reflower for months, from the same base shoot.

Cymbidiums love a cool period, where day and night temperatures vary markedly, before they inititiate flowering (which then happens in spring, under these types of conditions).

Oncidiums love 50% moisture levels, rising as temperatures increase, and good bright light levels. Typically like to dry out a little, between waterings.Like Cymbidiums, they inititiate flowering where there is a good difference between night and day temperatures, night falling to or just below 65 °F.

There are quite alot of online sites dealing with orchid culture, it will really help if you know which type of orchid that you've been gifted with. I've just found this site, in addition to others, that gives 'quick' information: http://californiaorchid.com/_wsn/page4.html

Private message me if you're unsure what you have, or for fuller care info. I grow loads of Orchid species, including hardy types in the UK (different to your potted gift, I assume) Good luck! Rob

Answer 3

Orchids like to be evenly moist, not wet. They like high humidity, spritz with water or put the pot in a drip pan with rocks and water, don't let the plant sit in the water.

When the blooms are spent, cut off the stem. They will bloom again for you next year.

Answer 4

Go to www.orchids.com to check for the type of orchid you have. Then go to their orchid care section for care information. Be sure that you have it where it can receive bright indirect light. You'll probably need to water it once a week or more often if it's hot.