First Phalaenopsis and would like advise on reblooming
 

hello everyone!

This is my first Phalaenopsis. I live in Florida and it is kept outside on in my screen room. I have neighbors that keep them in the crannies of their tree outdoors but I want to see mine up close... so I am asking for some help.
She finished blooming about 6 months ago. I'd like to get another round going but am scared to kill her. If you would, please take a look at my photos and tell me what you think and where I should be cutting.
Also, there is another root coming out of one of the shoots...do I remove it and pot it? Anyhow, please feel free to edit the photos and repost so I can see exactly what you are discribing.. I really do appreciate any help I can get.

[IMG]http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i3.../Orchid003.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i3.../Orchid002.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i3.../Orchid001.jpg[/IMG]

Thank you,
CC

eBay Store - kirbyskitchen: TUPPERWARE, AVON, ROCK N SERVE

First of all, that's a dendrobium, not a phalaenopsis. (It might be a hybrid made with Dendrobium bigibbum [formerly Den. phalaenopsis], though.)

I'm no den expert, so beyond straightening that out, I can't be of much help.

Thanks
 

Ray,
Thank you. I had no idea...was going off the tag that came with it.

CC

eBay Store - kirbyskitchen: TUPPERWARE, AVON, ROCK N SERVE

CC, I'm no Dendro expert either, but tags are often wrong. With experience you will learn to spot mistakes. Welcome aboard!

Hi CC, I'm no Dend expert either! Are there any here?

I do have a few. If it were mine, I would not cut it at all unless you want another plant. Actually if it were mine I probably would cut it, but I would be best for the plant If you didn't. I think the aerial roots look cool.

For the best show, I would leave as much healthy plant intact as possible. Flowering will take a combination of a few things, but the most important is light. As the weather warms, gradually increase the light (the leaves look a little too dark green). These guys can take a lot more light than you would think, and a LOT more than a Phalenopsis. :coverlaugh: Just move it gradually - like once a week to a slightly brighter spot. It's hard to tell by the photo, but it may benefit from a repotting. But pot it into the smallest pot that the roots will fit in. They like to be root bound. Let the potting mix become COMPLETELY dry before drenching it again. Fertilize regularly. Clear as mud? :scratchhead:

If you DO decide to cut it, let the wound dry completely before you pot it up. I'd put the new 'cutting' in a shadier location and keep the potting media dry-ish but humidity high. Clear as mud?

C.C. - post another question in the Dendrobium Forum .. you may get more responses than here :)

Hello,

Was it labeled Dendrobium phalaenopsis? These are dendrobiums that have a flower that looks similar to a phalaenopsis. I have not grown one, but I read they like lots of light and don't need as much of a cool rest as some of the other types of dendrobiums.

I have one like it and I keep it indoors. But you can keep it outdoors if you want. Dendrobiums like the cold, so it's ok to keep it out there until it gets pretty cold. Make sure you don't over water it, but water it more often when it gets pretty hot. The shoots should feel hard. your leaves look good. The things sticking out are roots. Leave them alone. roots are good. It needs a lot of light, so keep it in a bright place. Don't cut anything... it doesn't need it.