Any one else is growing orchids here?

[Lahea Atxkxeftu]

As in the topic Any more orchids lovers on the Forum?

[Human No More]

I've never really done much with plants. I've heard some orchids can take a lot of skill, so certainly sounds impressive

[Fosus]

Not growing, but they're awesome nonetheless.

[Raiden]

I have an Oncidium and a Phalaenopsis.

I just got them, but they seem to be doing quite well. The Oncidium is done flowering and I have to cut it back, but it seems to be healthy. The Phalaenopsis is almost at that point too.

[Cyvaris]

I have one sitting out in my yard....it does not get much love but it looks great.

[Lahea Atxkxeftu]

Raiden, finally someone I have about 40 Phalaenopis hybrids, primaries and species, Dendrobium, Paphiopedilum, Aerangis, Angraecum, Sedirea, Vandas, Chiloschista and more. I've started about a year ago, so there is still much to learn, but they grow happily and most of them are in bloom right now

Cyvaris, Phalaenopsis are plants which grow best without much attention

[Raiden]

Originally Posted by Lahea Atxkxeftu

Raiden, finally someone I have about 40 Phalaenopis hybrids, primaries and species, Dendrobium, Paphiopedilum, Aerangis, Angraecum, Sedirea, Vandas, Chiloschista and more. I've started about a year ago, so there is still much to learn, but they grow happily and most of them are in bloom right now

Cyvaris, Phalaenopsis are plants which grow best without much attention

*claps*

That is quite a collection you've got there.

I actually raise reptiles and amphibians (as well as invertebrates such as tarantulas and millipedes), but I use live plants in many of their enclosures, and that sort of led me into keeping houseplants.

I have a few carnivorous plants (really common ones, mostly; they aren't doing that well, and I really need to move them, but I don't have anywhere to move them to right now :[ ), some succulents, and some cool exotics like elephant ears (Alocasia, if I recall) and such.

I saw the orchids in the gardening section at a supermarket, and I found a couple that I liked and I thought looked healthy and took them home. I've been doing some reading on them , and so far the Oncidium has gone into dormancy (no flower spike atm) and the Phalaenopsis is heading that way too.

Since you seem to be experienced in growing them (that was probably an understatement, no?), what is the best way to water them and fertilize them? I've been using dechlorinated tap water that I use for my fish and frogs and such, and so far they seem to be doing fine on that. Also, what about repotting them? Should I use orchid bark, or a mixture of orchid bark and peat moss, or something else entirely?

I'm also assuming that since Orchidaceae is such a vast and varied family of plants, it depends on the species and cultivar of plant, but so far I've been using a mixture of the two and it seems to be working.

Finally, how should they be potted? Do I just loosely set the base of the plant in the mixture and then lightly bury the roots, or is there a certain way I should be doing it?

[Susano'o]

Also I like orchids and other flowers. I waited with a photograph, until they fully blossom.

[Lahea Atxkxeftu]

Originally Posted by Raiden

I have a few carnivorous plants (really common ones, mostly; they aren't doing that well, and I really need to move them, but I don't have anywhere to move them to right now :[ ), some succulents, and some cool exotics like elephant ears (Alocasia, if I recall) and such.

Nice one! I like carnivores as well; I have Dionaea muscipula and Drosera capensis. What problem do you have with yours?

Originally Posted by Raiden

Since you seem to be experienced in growing them (that was probably an understatement, no?), what is the best way to water them and fertilize them? I've been using dechlorinated tap water that I use for my fish and frogs and such, and so far they seem to be doing fine on that. Also, what about repotting them? Should I use orchid bark, or a mixture of orchid bark and peat moss, or something else entirely?

For Phals and Oncidiums best way is to use Reverse Osmosis or boiled/rain water as they are not the Calcium fans Water by putting the pot into a bowl full of water (water level should reach the edges of the pot) and leave it for 20 minutes. Fertilise once every 4-2 waterings, depending on your needs with 50% of recommended dose (I use Chempak Orchid Growth and Chempak Orchid Bloom).

Don't think about repotting just yet. Most of orchids hates to be repotted and they like to have very little space in the pot. Repot only when there is something wrong with the mixture (decomposing) or when the roots really overgrown the pot. Most of people (including me) prefer medium bark with sphagnum moss, but it depends on the species and your own preferences

Originally Posted by Raiden

Finally, how should they be potted? Do I just loosely set the base of the plant in the mixture and then lightly bury the roots, or is there a certain way I should be doing it?

This is fine, no need to change it

Susano'o, very nice type of Phal. Ever Spring What other orchds do you have there?

[Susano'o]

@up I have one more orchid and I wait until the bloom.

[Human No More]

I've had Dionaea muscipula before years ago, one of my favourite plants... I really should get another.

[Lahea Atxkxeftu]

Here some of my recent blooms;

Phal. Polka Dots


Phal. Chain Xen Magpie (huge flowers):


Phal. NOID


Phal. NOID


Phal. Jia Ho ''Pink Girl'' (fragnant)


Phal. Cassandra (equestris x stuartiana) (fragnant)


Phal. NOID


Phal. Ever Spring


Phal. NOID (very fragnant):


And more is coming White Vanda, Phalaenopsis inscriptiosinensis, Wilsonara Stirling Tiger, some other Phal. hyrids are in buds; Chiloschista viridiflava, blue Vanda and other Phalaenopsis hybrids are in spike.

[Lahea Atxkxeftu]

I forgot about;

Dendrobium Winter Beauty


and Coelogyne intermedia:

[EywaBlessMe]

I too have an Onc, Dend, and a Phal, and having a blue flower kick, look forward to getting a Vand, or a Cyanic.

[Lahea Atxkxeftu]

EywaBlessMe, Vandas, Doritaenopsis (Kenneth Shubert, Purple Gem) and Phalaenopsis (violacea var. coerulea, violacea ''Blue Norton'') are probably the most popular blue orchids out there
I hope you'll have a chance go get some soon