A newbie member says hello! - Orchid Board

Goosegirl · #1 03-16-2019, 11:38 AM

I recently bought two mini-orchids and would like to know how to care for them. After they'd flowered I got some orchid compost that had a lot of bark in it, gently took them out of their pots, removed some of the compost, snipped off the withered roots, then re-potted them in the same sized pots. There were a lot of new roots at the base of the plant but I didn't disturb them. All I did was to gently push them down, filled any spaces with more compost, then gave them some water. I don't know if I've done it right as a couple of upper roots are shrivelling.

Mountaineer370 · #2 03-16-2019, 06:05 PM

Welcome to the board. It would help to know exactly what you mean by "compost." The compost that I'm familiar with consists of very fine particles, a soil-like consistency. You want to avoid that with orchids. Their roots need to receive plenty of airflow and be able to dry out between waterings (how much drying out depends on the type of orchid). Bark chips of varying sizes are very popular for potting orchids, and many here also use sphagnum moss or a combination of bark and moss.

Do you know what type of orchids you have? Knowing that would help members here be more specific. Exact care requirements can vary a lot.

Goosegirl · #3 03-17-2019, 08:08 AM

They were sold in a shop as mini-orchids and the flowers looked similar to those of moth orchids. I got a recommended compost which consists mostly of bark chippings of different sizes and re-potted them in their original pots.

WaterWitchin · #4 03-17-2019, 09:22 AM

Welcome GooseGirl! Post a picture or two in the Beginner forum and we'll take a peek!

Mountaineer370 · #5 03-18-2019, 08:38 AM

I'm not sure, but I'm suspecting that, just maybe, the British definition of "compost" is slightly different than the American definition -- it wouldn't be the first word that is different, lol. If this is a substance that is mostly bark chips, with little if any of the fine stuff, you are probably good, but I agree with WaterWitchin that a couple of photos would be very helpful.

Goosegirl · #6 03-18-2019, 10:05 AM

Just getting used to my way around the forum so I hope you can see the two attached pics of my orchids. I've tried to show the main plants (pic 1) then a closer one of the top to show the roots on top.

Mountaineer370 · #7 03-18-2019, 09:10 PM

From what I can see in the photos, the potting media is probably okay. It appears that your orchids are in clear plastic pots that fit tightly inside of the outer ceramic pot. I'm betting those outer pots have no drainage holes in the bottom. And I'm wondering how many drainage holes the plastic pots have. Phals need to have air flow to the roots and need to be able to dry out a bit after being watered.

The one on the left looks like the lower leaves are starting to turn yellow. I'm not sure why that is, but it might be helpful to see what the inner pots look like, if we could convince you to provide another photo. How are you watering, and how often?

Ruiza5 · #8 03-20-2019, 12:26 PM

Welcome! It is really nice to have a new member here! I love mini orchids, but I also had many problems with them. Like someone above said, I am also more confused about the color of leaves. Don't overwater them and be careful about the sun. They like it but they don't want to get 'burned'.

Goosegirl · #9 03-22-2019, 11:03 AM

Here are the pics of my two orchid pots. I got orchid 2 out of its ceramic pot (there are no holes as you said) but as I lifted orchid 1 it fell out of its plastic pot.

Both were a bit dry so have watered them, but 1 looks to be a no-go. As they are the same colour I think it would be better if I replaced 1 with a new one. Do you water by taking the plastic pot out of the ceramic one, let it drain then replace it? BTW, the yellow colour on some leaves is due to my camera flash and possibly from the wall light because neither of them are going yellow.

Mountaineer370 · #10 03-22-2019, 04:35 PM

Both of those look to be healthy Phalaenopsis orchids. I don't see that you should need to get rid of either one. The potting material that they are in looks just fine, too. Yes, to water them, take them out of the outer pots. Take them to the sink and use your watering can liberally. Let the water run right through the holes in the bottom of your plastic pots. The idea is that you want to get all of the roots and potting material inside good and wet. Then let them drain well before placing them back in the outer pots. You don't want excess water to collect in the bottom of that outer pot.

Still, those outer pots are not ideal. With the way they fit tightly around the plastic pot and the fact that they have no holes in them, your orchid roots are not receiving proper air flow. They need to be able to "breathe" and get somewhat drier in between waterings. I'm not saying they should dry out completely, but you don't want them staying wet for too long inside those airless pots. Think of how orchids grow in the wild. They grow on tree branches and the crooks of limbs. Their roots are exposed to the air and the daylight. They get rained on probably every day, then they dry out quickly, and then they soon get rained on again.

For some of us, we don't mind the looks of the clear plastic pots and simply leave them in those with no outer pot, but I do understand the desire to have something prettier and more decorative for outer pots. In that case, you can consider something like these, which are especially made for orchids:

ORCHID POTTERY ~ Glazed Decorative Ceramic - Shop | Green Barn Orchid Supplies

I know you are in the UK, but I'm sure there are suppliers there who make these kinds of pots.