Hello and OMG I am CLUELESS in S. FL! - Orchid Board

Aspiring · #1 07-19-2009, 01:43 PM

Hello everyone!

Just recently acquired newly purchased Orchids. I have no clue what they are, but suspect Phals. I have no clue what type, or what others might be. All look different to me!!

I also have no clue what Im doing, but Im managing to keep them alive thus far, but worry and stress they will not make it in this hot summer we're having (90+ degrees each day)!

Glad to be here so I can learn more from y'all!
- Aspy

Amanda L · #2 07-19-2009, 01:57 PM

Welcome to Orchid Board Aspiring! Could you post some pictures of your new babies? Here is a link to get you started http://www.orchidboard.com/community...chidboard.html.

Also, some information on the location of them, would help. Inside? Outside? In a window, under lights?

Again, welcome to Orchid Board and the crazy, wonderful, addictive world of orchid growing!

Zoi2 · #3 07-19-2009, 07:12 PM

Hello and welcome to the OB.
Joann

Aspiring · #4 07-20-2009, 12:02 AM

Hello Amanda and Joann! Thanks for the welcome.
I will try to upload some pics for ya.

I could try doing links too I think...

These are in my front vestibule, which is western exposure, so they get some sun about 4-6pm.

These are in my rear lanai, eastern exposure, so they get sun from 7-9am.

All of these are potted in special orchid bark and some have a small amount of "Orchid Soil" which seems more like a damp soil. I am not sure of the brands, I'd have to check that and report back.

Some of these have roots that look very healthy growing up and out of the bark. Im not sure if Im supposed to leave them alone or try to force them back in to the pot. My understanding is that Orchids are air plants and dont like their roots covered or constantly wet.

Any help y'all can provide will be appreciated!
Thanks!

Amanda L · #5 07-20-2009, 12:42 AM

You have acquired quite the collection of Phals!

I wouldn't try to force the roots into the pot. Most of the time they are going to do whatever they want.
The medium they are in needs to have adequate drainage, so that it doesn't stay wet for long. If they are in clear pots, you should be able to see when the roots turn silvery-white, that indicates watering time. If you don't have clear pots, then you can use a bamboo skewer to check the moisture of the medium. If the skewer is cool and damp watering is not necessary.
Fertilize weakly/weekly with a balanced fertilizer.

Light should be bright but indirect. Morning sun is usually best. Leaf color is a good indicator; if the leaves are dark green, they don't have enough light. If they are light green, they have the right amount. You may notice a purplish tinge to the leaves, this is nothing to worry about, just means they are getting good light.

Hope this helps! Good Luck and keep us posted!

Aspiring · #6 07-20-2009, 01:18 AM

Thanks Amanda!
I do have very good drainage, but you are right about seeing the color of the roots, it would be really helpful! I have never seen these clear pots, other than a few thin plastic ones that some of these originally came in.

About a month after I got these, 2 of these Orchids lost their blooms. One I cut down as far as I could. The other I thought might re-bloom, so I left but the stem is becoming bark-y at the top 1" or so, and I have no idea if I should let it go, cut below the woody stem or cut all the way down the shaft.

Some of my white blooms have yellow or brown edges... what can I do about that?

Also I need to know the best Orchid fertilizer!

Thank you!

Aspiring · #7 07-20-2009, 01:22 AM

Also, I am considering bringing these indoors. I keep my home a cool/cold 73 degrees at night and usually daytime too, or I bump the thermostat to 75.

I have 2 bathrooms with nice skylights and think a few of these would be good in there.

But Im afraid to move them from the extreme heat of 90+ degrees to about 75 degrees. Any suggestions?

Zoi2 · #8 07-20-2009, 08:05 PM

If you move the blooming plants from the hot outdoors to a cool indoor temp you will probably loose your buds. The 15 degree temp change shouldn't hurt the plants that are not blooming at this time.
Joann

RosieC · #9 07-21-2009, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aspiring

All of these are potted in special orchid bark and some have a small amount of "Orchid Soil" which seems more like a damp soil. I am not sure of the brands, I'd have to check that and report back.

Hi Aspring and welcome to Orchid Board

You've already got some good advice but I am a bit worried about your comment of "Orchid Soil". This is not usually good for Phals and is more intended for more terestial types of orchids. The problem is that it can be prone to smother the roots on Phals which do like to have more air.

Aspiring · #10 07-23-2009, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoi2

If you move the blooming plants from the hot outdoors to a cool indoor temp you will probably loose your buds. The 15 degree temp change shouldn't hurt the plants that are not blooming at this time.
Joann

Hi Joann!
Thanks for this tip! I think I might move the ones with no buds into my garage for a day, then the cooler Laundry Room (this has no A/C, but is attached to the house so its cool) then to the gues bath, which gets tons of light, due to a skylight, but little A/C. The temp changes might be gradual. My other option is to wait a bit until these 95 degree days pass and begin gradually bringing them in.