It is a bifoliate cattleya, so will need entirely different growing conditions from a phal.
Compare AOS culture sheets: Phalaenopsis Cattleya
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I was given this orchid and was wanting an identification for it so I can care for it properly. I’ve only had phals so far and kinda hoping the care would be similar. Thanks in advance
It is a bifoliate cattleya, so will need entirely different growing conditions from a phal.
Compare AOS culture sheets: Phalaenopsis Cattleya
Thanks so much for your quick response
Looks like it needs a repot soon as well so do some research on that subject while your at it.
Thanks for the tip Mike. The grower said that it will need repoting and to wait for it to finish flowering. I've read you can seperate them (groups of around 5). Is it best to just keep it together or repot as two?
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That's really up to you, BUT...
Each growth is a single plant, connected to the colony by rhizomes. The individuals share resources, so the bigger the colony, the more robust it will be. Personally, I'd repot that into a single, large pot, but the typical recommendation is to limit divisions to a minimum of one new growth and two or three old ones.
Also, the very best time to repot any plant is just as new roots are emerging from the base of the plant. As those roots grow into the new potting medium, they will optimize themselves on a cellular level, supporting the plant, while the older roots may struggle a bit, having been optimized for the old conditions.
Thanks so much raybark. I’ll keep that in mind if I divide in later years. I was wanting to keep it as one for the moment anyway.