Orchid advice please.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Now please remember when it comes to flowers I am a complete numpty, can just about tell a rose from a dandelion.

The granddaughter bought SWMBO an orchid plant for her birthday and of course SWMBO wants to look after it so

(1) The instructions say to cut back the main stems to within 100m of the compost after flowering, would this be correct?

(2) Its in a clear plastic pot which sits in a pottery vase, you can clearly see the root system and it is obvious it is ready for potting on. Can I assume the clear pot is just a money saver and that I can pot on into an ordinary plant pot?

(3) Do I need a special compost of will MPC do the job?

I need help if I get this one wrong I ain't go to hear the last of it.

[Bigmallly]

I believe the roots need light hence the clear pots, they are usually in a bark like medium so you'll need to source that. I didn't pot mine on, instead I emptied the pot & pruned the roots then replaced the plant. You can buy Orchid plant food.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Thanks BM I will look into it further.

[Bigmallly]

This doesn't look bad for a squid Potty:

Horticare Orchid Mister - Feed & Compost - Gardening

[Bigmallly]

(1) The instructions say to cut back the main stems to within 100m of the compost after flowering, would this be correct?

I would cut it closer than that Potty, around 4" or so...................

[cariann88]

We have a orchid plant, my OH waters it once a week and he uses his fish water.

I am not sure how far back he cuts the stems, but what ever he is doing seems to be working. We are on the second flowering from the plant. Tho it's starting to loose its petals now.

[bearded bloke]

Yep, clear pot is right, we have grown herself's one in old bark & wood chippings, watering is done rarely as the chippings hold moisture for quite a while. The water Mrs. BB uses is out of the dehumidifier (so no added water company chemicals), feeding is extremely diluted baby bio done twice while flowering & once after die back.
The above advice was given to me by Joe Maiden (RiP)

[Bill Door]

We have had an orchid for 5 years now. It has flowered every year. We have never changed the medium in the pot. We cut the stems to about half an inch from the bark after the flowers have finished. We water about once a fortnight and feed with orchid fertilizer as it starts to bud and after 4 weeks until the flowers die off. We have had the pot in the kitchen in a North facing window and the plant loves it as it is not too hot there.

One thing I noticed was not to be frightened of cutting too much, and don't fiddle with it as it likes its own company.

Enjoy the flowers and the comments from admirers.

Bill

[Jay22]

I have one too which I didn't cut back and low and behold a new plant grew part way up. I keep forgetting to get some growing stuff to replant it but it has flowered over Christmas and still is...though past it's best.

Edited to say it doesn't get much watering or feeding.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Thanks all with your tips I have been off on google and discovered what type of orchid it is and the first thing I discover is that it likes to be grown in a very small pot. That's the re-potting not needed then. SWMBO is now a happy bunny.

Thanks again

[Glutton4...]

The only thing I can say is I was told they don't like tap water. Could be worth checking.

[4390evans]

I have one and look after them at work (hate steeping them) I have never changed the bark in mine if the roots start to grow out and look unsightly then remove some bark and tuck them into the pot, the pot is clear so after watering the plant produces its own food on its roots with help from the sun or so I have read (someone correct me if I a wrong). I never feed mine and cut the stem right to the base when it is done flowering.
When you cut it back make sure you keep an eye on a new shoot coming through so you can tie it to the support or it will end in wonky like mine and th3y are impossible to straighten up once it starts growing. They are such dainty things

[Jonny.D]

Thanks to everyone for the advice, will pass onto my sister who was given a few for her birthday

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

Ya Know what! I bet this is the one and only thing I have never tried to grow, as all seems a little too complex and time consuming, but flicking through this, I might give it a bash, only thing being, if as much put another plant on the kitchen window sill, I'll get "Hung, Drawn and Quatered"