I bought an orchid two days ago for Mothers day.The plant‘s soil is wrapped tightly in a plastic bag with a drainage hole. It is then place into the pot supplied, so it isn‘t actually planted in the pot. I can see condention on the plastic bag. I am worried that the trapped water will cause root rot. Do I take out the plastic packaging and place the plant in the pot?Also, how can I tell when a orchid needs watering.If you could also supply me with basic information on how to look after a Phalaenopsis orchid, that would be great!Ps its in moss.
the 3-4-5-6-speed manual transmission,aka stick shift because they are gear operated rather than valves and pumps etc. best way I know how to explain it.,,,,,,,,,
It's probably not going to matter too much, but I personally thinks it's a bit odd to have an orchid in moss in a plastic bag in a pot. They should realy be in orchid bark mix. These guys grow a lot of Phalaenopis commercially and know what they are talking about: www.tuckersorchidnursery .nz/pl. www.tuckersorchidnursery .nz/re. Also: www.rainbowpark .nz/nurseries/p.
I recommend removing the plastic and letting it dry out some. Then I would remove all the moss/soil and plant it in a nice pot using some orchid bark (it is a mixture of large particles of bark, charcoal, vermiculite and some moss. Youu may need to stake it such that it is supported until the roots can establish and take hold. I do not water mine from the top. I take a wide pan and put the orchid in the pan and then start to add water until the water is covering the bottom of the orchid pot. I let it sit there for a few hours and then I remove it and let it drain. Then I can bring it back into the house to a semi-sunny location. This seems to give the orchid all the water it needs and allows the bark to absorb some so the orchid can get it that way. Watering from the top just allows the water to run through since there is no soil. Before too long you should see some budding growth. I can keep blooms on my phalaenopsis for up to 6-7 months this way. Good luck.
