Bought my First Orchid - Orchid Board

AllisonsOrchid · #1 10-07-2015, 02:05 PM

Hello everyone, I purchased my first phalaenopsis orchid and I have a few questions.

I purchased an (just add ice orchids) at a local grocery store. I says to add three ice cubes once a week so it will be watered slowly all week as it melts. (Would you recommend this?)

She seems to be a healthy girl but I notice her roots are growing through the plastic pot tremendously. I don't know how long its has been in this plastic pot since I just got it. Also I notice its cracked on one side. I will be posting a few pictures and everyone can let me know your suggestions. Her roots and leaves are a healthy bright green color and it must have not been that long ago since it started to bloom. There are a few buds on it that haven't bloomed yet. My main question is, should I repot it if the roots are growing crazy through it? There is a crack in the plastic pot anyways.

From a happy new phalaenopsis orchid owner.

samfish · #2 10-07-2015, 02:37 PM

The plant looks healthy, and the roots in the pot look healthy... The ends of the roots outside the pot look like some are dying, but I would not be concerned about this. The plant will need to adjust to your growing conditions (Humidity, Light, Temperature, Watering Schedule, etc) anyways, and if you did repot now you risk blasting the remaining buds or dropping the flowers early...

Regarding using ice to water the plant, it seems like a very simple set of instructions, and will probably work in the short-term... But for long-term success (continued growth and repeated blooming every year), you will want to include giving the plant fertilizer and determine the optimal watering schedule for your growing conditions...

I would keep the plant as-is and water as suggested in the short term, then monitor the plant to see if it is too wet/dry and adjust accordingly...

Bunch_Of_Roots · #3 10-07-2015, 02:42 PM

Congrats on your first orchid and welcome!

I do not recommend using ice cubes to water the orchid. Water your orchid when the roots' color begins to turn into an opaque white. Generally for potted Phalaenopsis I submerge the pot into a bucket of water with water level at the same hight as the pot. Then let it soak for about 15 minutes. Finally take out the pot and put it in your sink for a few minutes to let the water finish draining.

The roots look pretty good right now. I think it would be good to repot after the orchid finished blooming.

bil · #4 10-07-2015, 03:15 PM

I have to admit I repot all orchids, hell, ALL plants I buy.

So often what you buy is potbound and running on empty..

With the orchids, I do risk bud blast, but as yet I haven't seen much of it. The flowers might not last as long, but as I'm really buying for next year, I'm not bothered.

I like big pots for phals, and I use large - 2" chunks of bark with no moss. As we know, people who use moss are quite beyond the pale. Plus their moms dress them funny.

judith_arquette · #5 10-07-2015, 04:55 PM

I highly recommend reading the sticky The Phal Abuse Ends Here. It is here in the beginner section of the forum just above where the regular posts are. It's quite lengthy but has invaluable information for beginning Phal growers who are interested in the long term health of their plants. Even if you just start with the first few pages of it I can guarantee that you will learn a lot. Good luck with your new addition, its beautiful and the roots look great!

estación seca · #6 10-07-2015, 09:08 PM

Welcome to the Orchid Board! We look forward to seeing your plant bloom.

I've never understood the just add ice thing - Phals don't like to be cold.

Leafmite · #7 10-08-2015, 10:39 AM

Hello and welcome! What a pretty Phal!

jason45244 · #8 10-08-2015, 10:54 AM

That is a really nice looking phal, pretty flowers and seemingly nice root system. I like to repot my new orchids when I get them (personal preference). Regarding the ice, it really makes no sense to do this. Many of us can not provide the same condition that orchids grow in their natural habitat, but come on! Lol. Ice is going the totally opposite direction. WELCOME to orchidboard

DeaC · #9 10-08-2015, 11:43 AM

NO...NO...NO to ice and follow advice of the others!

AllisonsOrchid · #10 10-08-2015, 02:57 PM

Thanks everyone for the advice! A doing some a lot of research online, I will not be using ice cubes to water. I had a gut feeling that ice water cannot be good for any plant. I have learned it will be best to water with room temp with a HP level between 5.5 and 7.5 once a week or whenever the roots are just beginning to turn a gray color.

I have trimmed some of the dead roots off. I have read it is best to repot new orchids since you don't know how old the media is plus it will get rid of pests (if there are any). I will use Better-Gro Orchid Special Orchid Mix. After it has adjusted to its new mix for a month or so, I will begin to fertilize it once a month with bloom blaster for fall/winter and for spring/summer I will use a orchid hydrogen fertilizer.

I'm keeping by a window in indirect sunlight.

That is pretty much what I learned so far and hope these strategies keep her healthy and happy. I have noticed today on its spike that there is another spike about to form on it so it hasn't seen its last blooming.