Orchid Question!
- Thread starter Jennifit
- Start date
HaveFun
Cathlete
I just keep mine on our screened porch or hanging underneath a tree outside. You can also attach them to a branch of the tree using pantyhose - I know that sounds weird, but they will eventually bind to the branch of the tree. Just water as instructed and eventually they bloom again. It is nice to have a collection of them since different varieties bloom at different times of the year. I have never heard of the ice cubes in the pot though - I'll try that 
lrayburn
Cathlete
Jen,
Do you know what type of orchid it is? (Dendrobium, Phalenopsis, etc) For some orchids, you can cut the flower stalk back to just above a node (there will be a line or what looks like a tiny papery sheath on the stalk) and the node will produce a smaller secondary flower stalk. If not, it may take a year or two for the plant to flower again. Flower initiation in orchids may be based on daylength or on environmental factors (wet/dry cycles).
Since you have already fertilized the orchid, just water it as needed. If your plant needs repotting, now is a good time to do it. Make sure to use a medium appropriate for your specific type of orchid as different types have different media requirements. Orchids usually only need to be repotted if the roots are rotting or the medium is breaking down. If your orchid is epiphytic (a type that normally grows on trees) they may have roots growing on the surface or over the edge of the pot and that's okay.
Good luck with your orchid and try not to kill it with kindness. Most orchids are very hardy and as long as they have the environmental conditions they need (which range wildly from humid to dry, bright light to heavy shade depending on the species!) require very little care.
Lisa
Do you know what type of orchid it is? (Dendrobium, Phalenopsis, etc) For some orchids, you can cut the flower stalk back to just above a node (there will be a line or what looks like a tiny papery sheath on the stalk) and the node will produce a smaller secondary flower stalk. If not, it may take a year or two for the plant to flower again. Flower initiation in orchids may be based on daylength or on environmental factors (wet/dry cycles).
Since you have already fertilized the orchid, just water it as needed. If your plant needs repotting, now is a good time to do it. Make sure to use a medium appropriate for your specific type of orchid as different types have different media requirements. Orchids usually only need to be repotted if the roots are rotting or the medium is breaking down. If your orchid is epiphytic (a type that normally grows on trees) they may have roots growing on the surface or over the edge of the pot and that's okay.
Good luck with your orchid and try not to kill it with kindness. Most orchids are very hardy and as long as they have the environmental conditions they need (which range wildly from humid to dry, bright light to heavy shade depending on the species!) require very little care.
Lisa
unfetteredpast
Cathlete
This is good news for me. I am babysitting my neighbor's orchid while they are on an extended vacation, and the flowers shriveled up and died. I was sure I killed it. I was thinking I might have to buy another orchid, or do something that would be apropros for an episode of Leave it to Beaver.
I was thinking I might have to buy another orchid, or do something that would be apropros for an episode of Leave it to Beaver.
spyrosmom
Cathlete
The one I got for Valentine's day just recently dropped the last of its flowers. It lived quite happily on my kitchen windowsill, watered w/ ice cubes once a week. It is still there, just leaves and stalk. From my understanding, orchids take quite a long time in btwn blooming seasons. I think in the range from 6 - 12 months. I am no expert, though. I am letting mine be and continuing to water/ice cube it and will see if blooms again. The leaves and stem are still plenty green, so it isn't dead
Nan
Nan
RapidBreath
Cathlete
I did not know about the ice cubes. I have three orchids. They like to be ignored. I have one behind the piano which gets indirect light, one upstairs on the painting table (seems to be reaching for the light coming in the window), and one in the kitchen. I know this sounds crazy, but it seems like that one watches me do the dishes. We give them a little drizzle once a week or every two weeks. The flowers are starting to fall. I am looking forward to the next orchid festival in San Francisco. I always take the best photos there
sorry for the tangent
sorry for the tangent
lrayburn
Cathlete
Orchid media is very coarse and does not absorb water well. The ice cube recommendation keeps you from overwatering while providing water slowly enough that it is absorbed well by the media. My only concern with a tropical orchid would be potential temperature damage to the base and roots since many of these orchids exhibit stress at temperatures below 50 F. That said, a good thorough watering every week or two and then letting the plant drain well will keep your orchids happy. Never leave water standing in the saucer (unless your pot is elevated above the saucer on stones or frogs) or in the bottom of the pot. Most people overlook the important draining step.
Lisa
Lisa