Beginner trying to learn to care for orchids

[vega279]

Hi I'm a beginner, trying to learn how to care for my orchids going threw some tough times with the phals but I do have some demdros that are looking happy well heres the thing once I brought my phals home I really didnt know how to tend to them and they quickly lost there blooms except for one which is doing fairly well but the rest are going threw it, I have had lost of there roots due to over watering and now I'm struggeling to bring those roots back. If anyone has any advice I'd sure appreciate it. Vega sad owner

[margo]

Hi, Vega. Glad to have you join us. Can you post some pics of your phals?

[cindiras]

Vega, have you tried dipping the base of the plant in a rooting hormone?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Hi Vega, welcome. How about a photo to help us see what you are working with?

Cheers,
BD

[orchid_killer]

Hi Vega. Are you in the US? Did you get your phals from a big box store?

The reason I ask is, I've always had problems with phals coming from a big box store. I got several of them last April and they were in sphagnum moss packed so tight that when I opened up the root ball, the roots were starting to turn black!

I have a new routine now. When I get a phal from the box stores (my family gives me orchids for gifts. I'm one lucky gal!), I take the orchid out of the pot (even in bloom) and take out the old moss, or whatever medium it is in. Then I repot it back in the pot - that is, if the pot is suitable. Sometimes, the phal would come in these designer pots that does not have a single hole in it! Anyway, I would repot the phal loosely to allow for proper airflow and drainage. The phals I repotted last April still has their blooms until today! I'm really happy about it.

[DENISE BROWN]

HELLO this is denise and i receiver d my first orchids for my bday almost a mont ago. one of mine has gone into bud drop and the bloom is gone. i cut the stem back i think too far and i think im fready to repot first im picking up orchid food and a new pot with holes. do get rid of the roots that are black,dry, rooting and justrepot the rest or what.... i only have a few good ones.....please help.....