Orchid Roots in Plastic...

[erin-x]

I got a small Orchid for my birthday last week and I have just remembered about it (bad start, I know).

Anyway, I just went to water it and noticed that it has a plastic wrapper around the roots in the tub. Do I take this off first or just leave it on? My brother's girlfriend told me to sit it in water instead of watering normally but the holes in the plastic and the holes in the tub don't line up, so I don't know if it will actually get the water.

I just need some Orchid advice... I've only had fake ones in the past and even they fall to bits =s

[erin-x]

Anyone?? :)

[woofgang]

Don't sit it in water. Run some tepid soft water (rain or cooled boiled in the kettle) into the top of the pot. It should run in through the compost and drain out freely. Stand it on a tray with gravel on and a little water in the tray to keep the air round the plnt humid. Water about once a week as above.

[AlBags]

Yes .. Orchids don't need water at all like other houseplants.
They absorb humidity through the aerial root system, and so fine-spraying every day or so and spraying roots is usually enough. I think the wrapper was to keep roots together and humid during transportation .. I would remove.
Your mate think it was a hyacinth?

[erin-x]

Thanks Woofgang :) What about the plastic surrounding the compost? Should I take it off or leave it?

http://i43.tinypic.com/2s67fgk.jpg That's the plastic around it...

[woofgang]

Sorry I can only see the outer tub.

[erin-x]

Thanks Al :) I have no idea.. I don't know how well her plants do because the cats eat them. That's why I thought it would be best to get all the lovely ABers opinions :)

[4getmenot]

if you go to a garden centre and ask for a new pot for an orchid they will always give you a clear one as sunlight should get to the roots. Best of in clear pot.

[Maydup]

Snap, there must have been an offer on as i received one for my birthday too!

I've left mine in the plastic tub and in the white ceramic pot.

Did you have a tag with yours? Mines a Moth Orchid and the tag says to water once a week and allow excess water to drain from the roots. Feed with orchid food every 2 weeks (not sure I'll be doing taht but we'll see) and display in a bright position away from direct sunlight at room temperature.
When the flowers drop, continue to water and feed the orchid and it may flower again.

[sara3]

erin, I read that you should stand the pot in about 1cm of water and leave it for a while, drain it and then just ignore it for about a week.

I tried it and for the first time I got an orchid to re-flower. I was most pleased! after months of beautiful flowers, they died off, and underneath was a hidden row of buds.. more flowers are coming!

my advice? sit it in water, drain it, ignore it for a week and repeat :o)

[erin-x]

http://i44.tinypic.com/214a5c0.jpg This is the tub.. the plastic in the first picture is underneath that.

[erin-x]

That's the one Maidup! From Sainsburys lol.. Did you take the plastic covering off?

Conflicting views =s Oh dear...

[ttfn]

I was wondering if you had any label with instructions included with the plant erin? One would expect so. Have a look here for general care instructions
http://www.orchid.org.uk/orchidculture.htm

[erin-x]

I had the same instructions as Maidup, Ttfn.. I'll have a read at that link. Thank you :)