orchid

[discoinferno]

whats the proper way to look after them? she died, finally, while i was on holiday last wk : ( and i don't wanna kill the next one i get...i managed to keep her alive for jst under a year

[mason01]

hi i dont know all the answers as you will already be aware they are quite specialised but 2 things 1 they should always be kept tight in there pots the pots should be clear (transparent) you need to repot about once every two years using proper orchid compost dont let them dry out but dont get them to wet.they need quite high levels of humidity so a fine spray of water around the leaves will help and contrary to what a lot of people think they do not require to high a temperature they do not like direct sunlight but do like to be in light.Only attempt to propagate when the flowers have died not before also when you go on holiday buy some capillary matting get a tray about one inch deep fill with gravel then fill with water, Put a bowl of water next to the tray and put the matting in the bowl and then lead it up to the tray put that end under the gravel this will then keep the orchid water while you ar away hope this helps if i can help further please feel free to contact me on [email protected] good luck Paul