We've had this orchid in this pot for more than five years. It's been in the same soil all that time. This is the first time it's bloomed at all. Isn't it beautiful? If anyone knows what kind of orchid it is, I'd love to hear.

However, I don't know how to take care of it. I googled orchids, and it seems like regular orchid soil isn't what I want, but I found the information confusing. I'm going to town tomorrow (we live way out in the sticks) and would like to buy whatever is needed to make this plant really happy. Any advice? and thanks again.

I'm still not clear on what kind of fertilizer and what I should do with these roots or how to repot it. Anything you care to take the time to tell me, I'd appreciate it.

Susanka

From the looks of your orchid you aren't doing too shabby :) Most people here will admit to having killed their first orchid very quickly, so getting yours to bloom is an achievement.

It's leaves are a little too dark green so I would give it a little more light, but not too much as that may burn it. Slowly (over the course of a few weeks) move it over to a brighter spot and monitor to make sure that leaves aren't getting warm to the touch.

Since the orchid has been in the same pot for the 5 years is is certainly due for a repot. Here is a website that describes how to repot. You should be able to get a new orchid mix from your local Home Depot or Lowes store. They usually have an "Orchid Mix" or "Phalaenopsis Mix" consisting of Bark, Charcoal and Perlite. Either one of these mixes would work. If you say that you've been overwatering, it's possible that all the roots inside the pot have rotted away, in which case when you repot you should tuck the aerial roots into the medium. Don't move to a larger pot unless there are lots of roots in the medium, orchids generally like to be a little underpotted (you want to fit the roots not the plant).

As to fertilizer, most HD and Lowes stores have an Orchid fertilizer. However any balanced fertilizer around 10-10-10 will do. Make sure you do not over fertilize as orchids can only take in minute amounts of nutrients. Many people fertilize with 1/2 or 1/4 the recommended dose with every watering, aka "fertilizing weakly weekly". Once you start fertilizing you want to make sure to flush the pot at least monthly with clean water from the faucet to make sure that there is no salt buildup.

I know that this is a lot of information, and you certainly have more questions, so I'm also going to refer you to our FAQ. However, please don't hesitate to ask further questions if they're still not answered.

Also, many people here will recommend that you buy a beginner book on orchids such as Ortho's Orchids. These are also usually available at HD and Lowes as well as Amazon, etc.

I hope I've helped and welcome to the forum!
Best,
Jem

Most orchids are epiphyites which means they grow on trees or rocky outcroppings. They are not parasitic at all.

The roots you see are for anchoring and providing nourishment. If you spray the "roots", you'll see them turn a beautiful darker green. This is the velamin which is a spongy covering for the actual root. If you have any roots that are real squishy, you can actually pull the rotted velamin away and see the thin root inside.

If you want to you can get the roots really wet so they'll bend easier and gently (I stress gently) put them back into the medium.

Enjoy and welcome to a wonderful obsession.

Penelope

Thanks again to both you and calvin.

Thanks again, all.

Sheila :)

Ryan