Caring for orchids

[WendyS]

I've been given two orchid plant in flower in small transparent plastic pots whose roots seem to be in some kind of bark rather than normal compost.

Have no experience of caring for these plants. Is this the normal potting medium? Should it be kept moist and how long should I keep them in these pots before they need a bigger size? Thanks.

[burnhal]

Are you talking about the ones about 12 to 18 feet tall? Oval leaves about 6 inches long? Daughter gave missus one for mothers day- te flowers last a phenomenal time- they curled up about two weeks ago. Didnt give it any special treatment other than a water once a week. Flowers lasted so long I wondered for ages if I was being stupid and watering an artificial plant!!

[WendyS]

Yes, that's the one ! There doesn't seem to be much nourishment in the bark stuff around their roots in the pots and I'm wondering what they're actually feeding on.

[skylight]

Hi Wendy, These are easy to look after. All you have to do is 1. Whenever they dry out dunk them in a bowl of warm water for 15 mins and drain. 2. Do the same but add some orchid feed about every three waterings. You can also sit them on some damp pebbles if you wish. I have quite a few and never without a flower. Whenever one stalk is finished flowering cut it off and continue watering and feeding. Also they dont mind being pot bound, the roots scramble over side of pot, You can give them a mist every so often. Cheers skylight

[WendyS]

Thanks skylight. Reassuring to know that the care needed is not as exotic as the actual plants. I guess they're probably tropical forest plants so have a metabolism that doesn't need too much attention. Will follow your instructions and hope to keep them alive and thriving.

[hazelcs]

i was thinking they meant 12 - 18 inch high not feet!!!
i have just been given one and it seems to like sitting in the south facing window but just out of range of full sun

[Bohne]

They are really easy to care for...
Not too much water, and some orchid plant food every now and then!

I love them...