Orchids for window growing?

[David]

Ok, here's the pictures of the plant I bought last weekend. Is this Phalaenopsis? It came in a very small cheap flimsy plastic pot with sphagnum moss.

I took it out and attached it to this piece of wood. Stuff just a little sphagnum moss around the roots. However, in the process I broke some roots. Hope this is not harmful to the plant.

[paphioboy]

Yes David. That is a phalaenopsis. Looks like phal violacea. Phals are easily recognizable as they have a few large, soft leaves and no pseudobulbs. If you are serious about orchid-growing, I suggest you invest in a book. 'Growing Orchids in the tropics' by OSSEA is a good one, as the info is easily applicable to growers in the lowlands. No need for greenhouses and the lot..

[David]

Thanks paphioboy.

[paphioboy]

Originally Posted by kentosaurs

Well my phal is a failure lol....I don't fertilise it or anything...I leave it in a "windowsill" Something like that...Quite bright light but not as much as my balcony..Its potted in charcoal...It stays motionless haha...Well i can't blame it cos i torture it...I only water them maybe once every 1 or 2 weeks lol..

Ken

Ken, you are watering your phal way too little. Once or twice a week is ok if the plant is in sphag, but in charcoal, daily watering is best. Especially in a dry, breezy environment like a windowsill.

BTW, David, it is a common saying that there is an orchid for everyone. Just depends on what you like. to distinguish between the commonly available genera, try googling 'dendrobium, phalaenopsis, cattleya, oncidium'. all these are easy to care for and reward you with bright colourful blooms that last up to 2 months. Just pot in charcoal and care as for Nep. Miranda or ventrata. if you are looking for something more exotic, (easy to care for but with interesting shorter-lived flowers), try catasetum, bulbophyllum, or cycnoches.

[David]

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it. Just want I needed.

[David]

Bought 2 more to add to my collection...

[funkychips]

Nice Dendrobiums David! There are some miniature varieties which you can try finding at some of the stalls down at sg buloh nurseries (if lack of growing space is concerned).

[David]

Those smaler ones would be nice. Will look around and see. Tks.

[paphioboy]

Nice healthy dends to start with.. You might want to repot them after they bloom as the roots are trailing off everywhere.. Use a clay pot that is just slightl;y bigger than the current pot. Dends don't like being overpotted.

[David]

Ok. Thanks for the advise paphioboy