An unnamed mini phalaenopsis in Dirtynailz' collection. I counted 16 flowers on this one spike, and the plant blooms for at least a couple of months.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome HerbDoc to the orchid club:
I was shopping at a local big box store this afternoon when I suddenly came upon a display of incredibly beautiful phalaenopsis orchids. The colors were dazzling and I couldn’t resist a deep purple and white beauty at under $10.
Another unnamed mini cultivar, noticed and snapped up at Trader Joe's. I love the creamy yellow centers on the flowers.
I’m taking Dirtynailz’ directions to heart and am marking the date to see how long I can get the plant to live! I’ll definitely ignore the printed “directions” as one section tells the buyer that they can’t go wrong by placing five ice cubes in the pot every five days. As Dirtynailz so aptly noted posts ago, how could a tropical plant ever want ice cubes on its roots?
Wish me and I hope I haven’t started a new obsession!
Editor’s note: You’re a goner now, HerbDoc!
Digging RI 
Those are gorgeous! Here’s a question. My flower stalk is spiked to stand straight up; it looks like you let them fall naturally. Should I do that the next time it decides to bloom (given there is a next time!)?
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When it comes to staking, there are the optional situations and the mandatory ones. Sometimes a plant gets tippy with a big spike pulling it over. That’s definitely a time to stake. But I also like the look of relaxed cascades of flowers, so if I can, I let the spikes droop without staking. Just let your plant flower as it wishes, and see for yourself whether the spike needs support.
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Congratulations on your new family member, Herb Doc! With dirtynailz guidance, we should be able to “orchidstrate” a bloom period.
Dirtynailz, do you spritz your orchids every day? The orchid bark on my recently transplanted babies seem awfully dry. Is that standard?
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No I do not spritz. When you water your plants, make sure you REALLY water them. I bring mine to the sink and spray the medium for a good minute. Actually, I spray, then let it run though, then spray again. Remember that these orchids normally grow on tree branches, which, when they’re not being rained on, are pretty dry.
If the leaves begin to look wrinkled, the plant isn’t getting enough water. A good watering once a week should do it.
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Okay. Thanks! Mine are about to get their first dose of Superthrive. 🙂
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It only takes the tiniest drop, and I always water well first and finish with the Superthrive/water solution. It really is great stuff.
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Thanks for the info on staking and not, DN. With the photos you’ve shared, I actually prefer that natural look too! I’m going to try to follow the “DN” rules and get this first one to rebloom…whenever it decides the time is right! BTW are orchids for sale at the show this Saturday…if so, I may be in deep trouble!
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I’m not sure, Kathy. Sometimes they do have plants for sale, but as someone who will be bringing some plants to show (if we’re not skiing) I would guess that most of them are for exhibition only, and are beloved members of orchid-crazy households!
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