Save my orchid!

[2ndhandsunshine]

Hi everyone! First off, thanks for everyone who sent in suggestions about the aphid infestation of my camellia plant. I took one advice and sprayed the plant under the tap and so far so good as far as aphids not returning is concerned. Now I come to you with a question about my orchid

Comments

[ladycelia]

The root-like offshoots are critical to the plant--they're air roots--don't take them off!

[2ndhandsunshine]

I've played it safe and haven't. :) I figured the plant was putting them out for a reason and left it alone, but since I had the opportunity to ask, I figured I would.

[ladycelia]

And they should be plump-ish, not shriveled.

[memnet]

Beautiful flowers! I'm not an expert, but from my own experience with phaleonopsis (also known as a moth orchid which in case you don't know, is what you have), if those roots that are sticking out are not plump but are shriveled up, your plant needs more hydration. I think you need to repot the orchid in a larger pot so it has room to grow (keep in mind that a clay pot will allow the orchid to go dry faster than a plastic pot), and use fresh orchid potting medium as the old stuff may be breaking down and should be replaced; there are many options for orchid growing medium. I made a mix of spagnum, perlite, spagnum peat, with some bark/charcoal mix thrown in and they seem to be very happy. Phaleonopsis orchids like to be a bit moist all the time but not sopping wet. I keep mine damp and not only are two of them in bloom, but they are also putting out more roots (nice, green plump roots) and two of them are sprouting new leaves. Phaleonopsis in general are not crazy about direct sun so I'd guess your take on the tinting reducing the

[2ndhandsunshine]

Write as much as you want! Especially if it's as informative as what you've given me. Based on what you say, I think it might indeed be time to repot and replace the growing medium--I've noticed it doesn't seem to hold water very well anymore, which might account for the overdrying of the plant. This weekend, I'll definitely go out and replace both the pot and the potting medium as well as pick up a little orchid fertilizer to use from now on.

I love plants but unfortunately have never been much when it comes to growing or keeping them alive. Everyone has been duly impressed that this little orchid puts out as many flowers as it does. :)

Thank you so much for all your help!

[memnet]

You're welcome. :) I hope your orchid recovers well and makes some more of those flowers; they really are stunning.

[abalone99]

All of this helpful information has actually inspired ME to see if I might be able to get an orchid to work! My former roommates would try in our north/south facing apartment indoors, but they never seemed to last for long. I'm moving offices to one that gets a lot of light on one side directly from a window in the Pacific Northwest. Should I put it about 4-6' away from the window but in the spot that gets the sun (well...when we have it here anyway...)? Or should I put it on the shady side? Directly on the window sill??? Teach me your magical orchid ways! :D

Seriously, this was excellent. I knew about the misting, but all the other info was news to me and may be why they never had luck growing them. I would love to hear your recommendation for placements. I've always LOVED orchids and have always wanted to get one, but knowing how difficult they can be, I've never wanted to waste the money given how un-confident I was in being able to grow/keep them. This gives me so much giddy hope!!

[faerieboy]

I've seen claims that aerial roots mean an orchid is happy, this is not always the case. When you see aerial roots, check to see if the old roots have rotted away.