Orchid care

[Alliegid]

My orchid is in a clear pot, but inside a china pot (brought that way) Do I need to let the light get at the roots? How much, how often? Thanks for any help - orchids are a new thing for me :o)

[Hawkwalk]

I would not worry too much about it. Although they prefer it, they will grow without light at the roots, especially the common types around such as Phalaenopsis.

[tamborine]

dont let the roots stand in water......water sparingly; a good soak when soil is dry & allow to drain off. They grow best facing north - out of direct sunlight,

[Alliegid]

Thanks Hawkwalk & tamborine - it is a Phalaenopsis I think. I'm carefull not to let it stand in water, and it is out of direct light - just getting its 3rd leaf this year - no sign of any flower though :o(

[midagetrolop]

I have grown orchids for years - they have no roots as such - just the aerial roots that hang down to collect moisture so spray with warm water when it's hot ( like in the jungle where they live). When you water leave them to dry out and then soak them - do not let them stand in water and feed occasionally, when flowers have died off cut off dead stem. There is a lot of very complicated talk about orchids but they are not so complicated at all, just look after them and they will reward you with beautiful blooms all year round, but be patient.

[Alliegid]

Thanks midagetrolop - I was just looking at it a moment ago. Is it the leaves I am spraying? - the root like bits are in the pot and so much harder to spray. Is there anything I should be doing to encourage flowering? - I give it a dose of Babybio once a month - is this ok? Can't you tell I don't know much about it lol!

[midagetrolop]

Just spray the leaves and the aerial roots, it will take its own time for flowering but as I said be patient, it will pay off. Baby bio is fine I use Tesco's own ( cheap) but yet I have about 1 dozen orchids. Good luck!