It is a hybrid Phalaenopsis orchid. Notes in the link are prepared by the American Orchid Society. Many past threads on this site to read. Provided you can get the growing conditions right, they are easy. Plant is in good condition.

AOS Culture notes

Thank you for identifying it. the picture I am posting isn't where I normally keep it, it goes in a much darker bathroom with only natural light through a small window. will this be okay? I have t-5 set up I have another area with LED and
another aera with CFLS so if I need to find light for it I probably can. I live a little north of sacramento, ca so I don't think outside is an option at least not right now.

When I planted it it already was in moss, some of the roots looked rotted, I know that's not good and may even kill it but I imagine that if they are normally growing on other plants their roots may have some kind of protection. I didn't know if I should cut it, if I should I will wait a couple days before I disturb it again. the leaves are wet with spray that I bought from the store made by miracle grow. now it is back in its bathroom.

hope this pot and media will work, if not I will obviously have to prepare better next time.

I did just read I shouldn't use distilled water, that's fine I will continue to used purified bottled water. until I can find out more about my water. thanks for the link.

Yes, these look like Phalaenopsis orchids, very beautiful. I have not had much luck with orchids, but you need well draining soil, as pure of water as you can get, PLENTY of humidity, and and just keep fiddling around with light levels until you find one that suits your orchid best.

Good luck!

Yes, and doing research generally does a lot to increase knowledge :)

I'm reading about it now on the A.S.O site and Houzz.

At one point, I was very interested in orchid pollination methods. Very, very, very interesting stuff. It's just fun to check out all the cool mechanics involved!

Here is a couple of links if you want to look into it:

http://www.bbg.org/gardening/article/orchids_and_their_pollinators

http://oregonorchidsociety.org/education/orchid-pollination

Hi Bob,

I am new to orchid too. I still have a lot to learn but I thought I should share what I've done. I got three "not doing so well" orchids from my friends last August and now they are doing well (one of them is having a spike :)).

Back then I repotted them using the following:

When I took the orchids out of their original pots, I did see some rotted roots. I trimmed those and kept only the good ones. Having them in slotted clear pots helps me have a better view of their roots and see better if they need water or not. I use regular water and water them whenever I see that the media is dry. I usually water the whole plant but hand dry the leaves right after that to make sure water does not go to the crown to prevent crown rot. I use Miracle-Gro water soluble once in a while. As regard to lighting, I am still trying to figure out what's the best for my orchids. They need light but direct sunlight is a very bad idea (I did burn some of their leaves!!!)

I hope that helps and good luck with your lovely orchid :)

Hi, Bob. Welcome to the addiction. It always starts with that first Phal.

You have a hybrid Phalaenopsis, as Arthur explained. The AOS notes are a good beginning.

Just a few comments to get you started. Your light will not be enough to keep the plant healthy. Phals like bright light even full morning sun. You could grow your orchid outside the bathroom and move it in when it blooms to enjoy. But to grow it, and get it to bloom again, it will need stronger light.

This is not a good time of year to do a repot or any root work. Spring is best when the plant begins new growth. Most important thing now is to keep the plant in a warm room and only water when almost dry.

I grew orchids in NYC for many years indoors during winter and outside over the summer. I did use CFL lights over the winter. I used RO water because we had well water which was not good for them. Rain would be the best and if you have rain barrels use that. If not, you can try your tap water and see how the plant grows.

Your mix appears to contain coir which holds a lot of moisture. Be careful not to keep the plant too wet. Their roots like lots of air. Also, rinse coir well as some can contain lots of salt.

Repotting any orchid when in bloom risks losing the blooms and buds. If this happens, don't worry. The plant will be fine.

These are easy plants to grow once you get the hang of it. They like warmth, lots of air movement and have 'drip-dry' roots. Water when almost dry.

You should do fine, but the light has to change. The plant can stay in your bathroom until it finishes blooming, then move it into a room with more light.

Good luck and again, welcome to the Club!

Jane

Jane, Thank you for all the helpful information.
I think I may start collecting rain water while we are still getting rain in california.

I did repot it, and yes those are cocoa coir. The size of the coir croutons really helps it dry out fast, the clay and glass stones keep it draining really fast too. I transplanted it yesterday afternoon, nothing has happened to the plant yet. I usually don't see signs of stress in my other plants for a few days upto a week. I'll keep my eye on it. thanks for the information about the lights, I will grow it under CFLS or LED depending on what it ends up prefering. I will a acclimate it first. I am going to keep it in the bathroom to enjoy the blooms first.

the pot I am using has alot of circulation it is a glazed ceramic net pot. I hope that will help.

I did read about when to pot it, after I already potted it up. I gave the roots and leaves a dose of spray nutrients when I transplanted it. there were some rotting roots but I decided to wait til the bloom dies off to take it out of its new pot and to trim them. I don't want to shock it too much. I do rinse the fines/dust out of all my media, soak it, then I flush it real good again.

thanks for taking the time to read my post.

Yes, transplanting is a good idea, because usually an orchid bought from a grocery store or even Home Depot will not have sufficient drainage and/or soil type.

Good luck!!

Your plant looks beautiful. My plants blooms have been opening since I repotted it. It also put two more buds out. I think we even have the same pot! I love that pot. I am going to have to get one for one of my Adenium also!

I will get more light to mine.

thanks for the tips.