This is my first post and I am completely new to Orchids so please be patient with me! I have always admired orchids and after having received a couple of lovely orchid plants as gifts for my daughter's birth a couple of weeks ago I am determined to learn what needs to be done to care for them properly. I have read a bunch in the forums, but there is nothing like getting some direct input...
Here's some information and questions on the two plants:
Plant number one would appear to be some form of white phalaenopsis. Some of the flower buds have withered and dropped off which it appears is a result of too much change and perhaps too much watering - certainly the move from the florist to my house could account for that. However, there are quite a few healthy looking buds still so all is not lost. The plant is in a 18-20 inch wide by 6 inch deep glass "pot" which looks very nice but from what I have read is not conducive to keeping the plant alive. The medium appears to be moss. The plant is about 10 feet from a north facing window. The leaves are fairly dark so I imagine you will tell me that it needs more light. Unfortunately I'm a bit limitied as to where I can site the plant so I may need to try the current location for a while. Anyway, I think that the main question I need to answer is what to do with respect to potting!
PHOTOS OF PLANT 1:
From looking at photos, I believe that plant number two is a cattleya, is that correct? This plant dropped some flowers soon after coming home and the leaves had a dark green color. After reading through the forum I moved it right beside a north-facing window (the only good spot in the apartment) and the leaves have lightened quite a bit. No more flowers have dropped off but they do have some brown spots around the edges. There are also brown sheaths on the two flower stalks. I think that the plant was over-watered but I am trying to get that under control. My current plan is to water one a week, putting the plastic pot in the bath, giving a thorough watering and then returning the plastic pot to the decorative glass pot after draining. The medium looks like coconut husks. My main question is whether the current plastic pot is correct for the plant.
PHOTOS OF PLANT 2:
I need to read up on feeding but any initial tips would be welcome!
Also, I live in Madrid, Spain which is very dry and quite hot in the summer. I mention it in case that affects things at all.
Thanks a lot for any insights you can provide!
Jay