ashtj, you might want to visit the Orchid Forum here in the Gardenweb. Take a picture of your orchid and post it in that forum and you'll probably receive some good advice pertaining to the specific type.

Orchids are not grown outside anywhere in Alabama (during the winter) but lots of people enjoy cultivating them indoors.

Growing Hardy Orchids by John Tullock. Timber Press is

an impressive book.

Orchid is a very generic term. You could show a pic of your plant on Plant ID forum to find out what kind it is. With the name, or at least type known, you can search for info specific to that kind.

aos.org American Orchid Society has a very informational website.

Hi Tiffany

good to remember the aos .

pretty sure Ashtj has what used to be called a "hot house" orchid.

ive seen orchids in the wild, didn't want to disturb them, came back

later and found the area cleared of native flora. Heartbreaking.

see you have been up a while. Your turkey in the oven yet? Took my dogs

to the dog park had my first cup of coffee now to get dinner started.

rambling

Happy Thanksgiving

jo

We grow orchids outside depending on the variety. Most big box stores sale phaleanopsis and they do much better inside. We have good weather outdoors in most of the state 8 months of the year... we also use rain run off from the roof and they do better that way.

If it was a gift most likely it is an Phalaenopsis I have several for the last 5 years or so and they bloom every year. I gave one away to a friend, she kept it on a windowsill and it was in continuous bloom for more than 2 years. I water weekly and use an orchid fertilizer during the summer. The rule is fertilize weekly weekly. Best is morning dapple sun. SE window, never strong sun.

http://www.aos.org/orchids/culture-sheets/novice-phalaenopsis.aspx

Hey larrylwill i saw another post that you had commented on and I have a question for you. Can you email me directly? I couldn't figure out a way to message you directly. Email is Leaq.mail@gmail.com it's about flea treatment for pets you used. Thanks

google Bletilla striata and poor mans orchid. I have oncidium gower ramsey outside right now doing well.

Best fertilizer if you only have a couple of orchids is a liquid in natural rain water with a long soak of say a day every two or so weeks. My grandmother that can kill just about any plant taught me that one and has had good success getting orchids to bloom that way.