Ok I had to do it. I turned the heat on. Now my orchids dry out fast. I mean really fast. I was soaking them once a week and misting them 2 times a day. But that isn't enough anymore.

Could I soak them 2 to 3 times a week and keep to the old misting Schedule? When I soak them I leave them in a bowl of water for 20 minutes. They are in orchid mix potting soil so there isn't anything to hold the moisture.

Here's how I know when to water my orchids.

I keep a skinny bamboo skewer stuck all the way down into my orchid pot. I pull the skewer out and (don't laugh) "feel" it with my lips. If I can feel moisture on the skewer, I don't water. If the skewer feels dry, I water.

That sounds like a plan. Any ideas where I can find some bamboo skewers? A kitchen place maybe? Would regular wood work? I have some of that rough stuff in their pots for them to grow on.

Oh guess what I saw today. The one that is growing best has two little nodes growing right above where it comes out of the bark. is that some more of it's roots? Or is it trying to create more stems?

Probably what I have...sorta looks like bark chips.

I got my skewers at Wal-Mart...100 in a pack for less than 2 bucks. They also have them at most of the "Everything Costs A Dollar" stores, and even the grocery store.


Hmmm...hard to say without seeing it, but you will be able to tell pretty soon. When a new stem pops out it doesn't take long to shoot right up there!

Thanks Cindy.

What kind of orchid is it? Each type has different watering practices. Phals can't be allowed to dry out yet Phal type dendrobiums and Oncidiums can dry out between waterings.

Tom

Nor doesn't remember which kind one is the other is Golden Shower. I haven't let them dry out although now it is a constant fight to keep them moist. The orchid potting soil doesn't hold moisture at all and with the baseboard heating even the humidity tray isn't helping. I'll take any and all suggestions. I don't want to loose them after they have traveled all the way from Mayalasia.

YIKES! That's what mine are!
...but they grow and bloom...I haven't killed them yet!

Sorry but you were asking for it!

tkhooper,

Those little things growing out of the pot, are roots that means it needs a larger pot..
I have a plastic tray under mine and I soak it till the water runs into that .....I have moss on the top, which holds water.. That is how I bought mine....With moss on top.......Tk I think I got mey (bark charcoal ) from you.. My orchid is since been growing new wider leaves and now it looks like a straight stem is coming on, to bloom again.......I hope..

dodge
barb

Fantastic! I'm glad it liked the bark potting soil. I hope you can take pictures when it blooms.

tkhooper,

It sure does like your soil........
I will send a photo.. Even the leaves got so much larger and greener..
I know nothing about Orchids.......Just that I bought it to satisfy my hunger........An you add the soil..ha ha
What a great bunch we are on here.......thanks for helping, tk..
I will definately put a photo on here. the stem is about 4 inches now.

dodge
aka barb