Orchid Type unknown - Orchid Board

HelpMyGrand-Orchid · #1 01-01-2008, 09:34 AM

Not only am I new to this forum, but it's my first forum or chat of any kind so I'm not sure what I'm doing. What's a "thread"? ...Anyway, I have an orchid that my daughter left in her room (in FL) when she moved to CA 3 years ago. I rescued it and pruned the dead flower stalk. I moved it to a sunny southern window and soak it 10-15 minutes every 1-1.5 weeks, then drain it and return it to the decorative planter. It's planted in something (medium?) that looks like split-wood vertically in the little plastic pot. It's good and green and has 5 or 6 stalks growing now and roots are coming up out the side of the 4" pot. But it has never flowered again. I don't know what kind it is or what to do with it. Any suggestions?

cb977 · #2 01-01-2008, 09:54 AM

Hi and welcome to Orchidboard

Where in Florida are you?

Don't worry about not being familiar with forums, we'll help you through it. You'll be a pro in no time!

It would be helpful to see a picture of the plant. I can give you the instructions on how to do it if you have a camera...let me know.

The first thing that comes to mind is that if it's been in that same media, which sounds like a bark mixture, the plant should be repotted...and we can talk you through that too

Is there a tag in the pot with the name or type of orchid? You may find one when you repot it.
With a few "stalks", which are called "canes", it sounds to me like it might be a Dendrobium.

Please don't hesitate to ask any questions you have concerning orchids or using the forums...you've joined a great community where everybody is very friendly and willing to help.

cupcake · #3 01-01-2008, 12:37 PM

It sounds as tho you are doing everything right! Send us a photo and then we can give you more info. Don't be afraid of asking questions here, folk are REALLY helpful. I have learnt so much and you never need feel foolish about any question you ask. Everyone is here to help each other XXXXXX Judi

HelpMyGrand-Orchid · #4 01-01-2008, 12:46 PM

Thank you! I need all the help I can get. I live in Jacksonville. I do have a digital camera, if you can tell me how/where to post a picture. The "media" doesn't seem like a mixture of anything, just like pieces of wood held together by roots. I had to put rocks on top to keep it from floating out of the pot when I soak it. There's no tag. There are 8 canes (2 are new without leaves yet - 1" & 3"). There was only one when I got it and it's evident because it still has a 1/2" stem sticking out of the middle where I cut of the dead bloom. Please let me know how to get a picture to you. Thank you for your help.

Pinkcat · #5 01-01-2008, 01:55 PM

Hi There!
I just wanted to let you know a thread is a topic that you start. Basically it is a post....
When you are replying to the thread, hit "go advanced", then scroll down below where you type your message. Under additional options, it will say attach files with a button that says manage attachments. You just click there, show the computer where your picture is and viola! I hope this makes sense. I like to be able to help with what I can...

HelpMyGrand-Orchid · #6 01-02-2008, 02:44 PM

I'm still finding my way around in this site. I'm going to try to attach a picture... if anyone can help me from there, I'd greatly appreciate it. Still trying to find out how to make it be healthy and bloom again. Thank you all!

quiltergal · #7 01-02-2008, 03:42 PM

You have a phal type Dendrobium hybrid. They like intermediate to warm temps, regular feeding and water, and bright light. My guess as to why it hasn't rebloomed is lack of nutrition. Have you been fertilizing regularly and if so with what and how much? It looks great! Good growing.

HelpMyGrand-Orchid · #8 01-02-2008, 04:31 PM

Well, that could definitely be the problem... my fertilizer frequency so far is never! What should I use? Will Miracle Grow be sufficient? I did read to keep it weak... is that right? Thanks for the help!!!

cb977 · #9 01-02-2008, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HelpMyGrand-Orchid

Well, that could definitely be the problem... my fertilizer frequency so far is never! What should I use? Will Miracle Grow be sufficient? I did read to keep it weak... is that right? Thanks for the help!!!

You'll want to get an orchid-specific fertilizer. Most places carry Shultz Orchid food, you can also look for Peter's or check out Ray's site at Welcome to First Rays Orchids for MSU fertilizer which a number of us use. Ray has some information you'll want to read on his site too. Check out the section named Free Information and look into Feeding or Fertilizing.

John D. · #10 01-02-2008, 04:56 PM

As Susanne said (as you get more into it the special orchid ferts give you more specific choices) but "Miracle Grow" was developed as an orchid fert. If you have the scoop that came with it(a tablespoon) use 1/6 of that for a gallon on water as a good place to start. That gives you 1/2 teaspoon per gallon. Think weakly / weekly. I could not tell from your picture but there looked like a spike starting, upper right??