What kind of orchid is this?

[nmcarrizal]

My neice bought this for me, was wondering what kind of orchid it was. Also the leaves have spots on them, any suggestions what they are and what actions to take?

[gardenguysorchids]

Looks as though it has a bad case of sunburn. There is nothing you can do about the damaged leaves now. To keep it from continuing keep it out of the direct sun. An Eastern exposure is best for phalaenopsis orchids. Good luck. It looks like a really pretty orchid.

[JoeW]

Hi, it looks like a Phalaenopsis that has gotten too much sun. If it doesn't have a name tag in the pot, you will probably have to call it 'noid'. Also, if it is planted in spagnum moss, be careful to not let the roots stay consistently wet until you can repot it into a fir bark mix (IHMO if you are growing on a windowsill).

[nmcarrizal]

So should I remove them or just leave them alone? Does everyone always repot new orchids?

Ok another question, I went to --- to get materials to repot, I did see several mixes, and bark, one bag had white mold in it? Any recommendations? Does everyone use peanuts also?

[JoeW]

Leave them there. It is unsightly, but the leaves are still useful to the plant.

I lost my first few noid store bought Phal's by drowning them. The in-medium Phal roots will keep trying to absorb water to send to the leaves past the point where the leaves can hold water. The in-media roots then usually rot. They need to dry out some and to get air. Many windowsill growers find that Spag is a treacherous potting medium. The shipper uses Spag to keep the plant alive and in bloom over the period that it is in transit when it cannot be watered. (Some of us claim that it is used to insure that the plant will die and one will go buy another one in bloom!!!) So, as a windowsill grower, over the years, I have found that replanting a new grocery store purchase in a fir bark mix after the blooms fade will help insure the plant lives to rebloom.

People offer advice based on what has worked for them. Be sure to pair the suggestion with the growing location. Bruce has done us a great favor by including the "I grow my orchids:" tab.

[gardenguysorchids]

Before removing the damaged leaves entirely I would try cutting the damaged part of the leaf off. Granted it doesn't look that great but would would be saving as much of the good part of the leaf as possible. I always repot new orchids immediately unless they are in bloom or spike and then i repot as soon as the flowers die.