Orchid ID

We bought these two plants from Wyvale recently, they were in the sale, snd had no tags or labels. :confused:
We've never had Orchids before. I understand that there are zillions of different types, and just to add to it they've no flowers obviously.
But I thought maybe someone had bought some of the same from Wyvale? or maybe there was an Orchid expert out there who may be able to give us some clues from the leaves/roots?

All I've worked out is that the first is Monopodial, and the second Sympodial.

Sorry, my photo's rean't brilliant, but here goes....any suggestions welcome folks.

Orchid 1



Orchid 2



If anyone has any growing advice it would be greatly apreciated. Everything I've read thus far has been contradictory; re-pot/don't re-pot, feed/don't feed etc

 

BekiMac, there is no way on this planet that I am an expert on Orchids. However,I used to sell them when I worked in a garden centre. I think that possibly the first is one of the Phalaenopsis species and the second a member of the Dendrobium family, but don`t hold me to it though. David.

 

I go along with David on the first, but cant really say on the second, either way when you get them to flower it will be worth it.
I always buy my orchids in a similar way, only very occasionally paying full price for a full blooming plant, its more interesting that way.
I dont think I would repot them yet, perhaps a half strength feed now and again, and allow to dry out almost, between waterings.
The usual advice is no direct sunlight but good filtered light, but mine get full sun in winter and bright light in summer.
Both look to me as if they would like temps no lower than 12-15C overnight and rising during the day.

 

Hi,
Thanks fellas, that gives me something to go on; now I can be more specific when I'm reading up I've moved them both, out of direct sun, and I won't re-pot just yet.
It's quite exciting waiting to see what the flowers are going to be like
Pete, I thought you may be able to help - I'd been admiring your Phalaenopsis on the 'What's Looking Good In October' thread, 36 flowers, wow
Am I doing the right thing leaving the old flower stalks?

 

I concurr with David, especially the second one. That is definitly a Dendrobium - I have one sitting on my kitchen windowsill, just about to flower. If its from Wyvale, then it may be Dendrobium Nobile - very common in garden centres.

I found a great book on orhids with lots of helpful hints on their care - Easy Orchids - by Mimi Luebbermann. Helped me a lot with my three varieties.

 

Thanks Fran

Beki x

 

Beki, may I suggest you Google burnham nurseries, these people are among the top Orchid growers in Europe. David.

 

I leave the old flower stalks on phaelonopsis, just cut them back to the next unflowerd joint in order to tidy them up.
I think you'll find that in most other orchids the old flower stem dies after flowering, so they can be cut back.

 

Burnham

Is what David is about.

I got this from Mrs S. who is an orchid nut. Yes you are all correct, Phal and Dendrobium.

The advice on fertilising is apparently weekly and weakly. Don't actually water. Mist with rain water every dayish and once a week have another spray with half strength Growmore (or even weaker) and rainwater and spray with that. Don't use tap water. They hate lime. I (by that I mean Boss lady) assume you have them in a loose bark based mix, maybe with sphagnum and charcoal. After all they are epiphytes. And please don't argue with me. I have to live with dozens of them. :D So don't shoot the messenger.

 

Thanks David, that is a very helpful website, I've ordered a catalogue too.
Beki x

 

Beki, if you are ever down in Devon they really are worth a visit. I used to buy all the Orchids from them when I worked in the garden centre. David.

 

John, I am so pleased that I am not the only one who has to do as he`s told by his much better half. Snivelling David.

 

David and john, All men men have to do as there told they know whats good for them :D were not called BH for nowt

 

Beki. Boss lady says you may want to check out this eBay shop as well. She (well she orders, I pay) has bought a few young orchids off them and, although they are young and need nursing, they are good and cheap. (Like me). :D

Dragon orchids (Welsh of course David) They usually have a large selection, but I think they are having a revamp at the moment. Still worth watching.

 

Hi,
David, unfortunately no plans to visit Devon on the horizon, but I will certainly bear it in mind if the oportunity ever arises, thanks for the recommendation.
John, and his Bettr-Half-Boss-Lady, thanks for all the tips, which I have noted. I'll have to do some research on the constitution of our local tap water. I've bookmarked Dragon Orchids, probably not a good idea to go window shopping, our house already resembles a jungle! But next time I need a bit of retail therapy it'll come in handy. Cheers.
Dee, I concur :D