What the heck is this, please?

by Pamela
(Mansfield, OH)

Sorry, don't have any info. Was a gift to my mother and she no longer has the label or care instructions. In addition, I am a novice gardner (1st year herb garden) and no clue as to how to describe this plant.

It has been requested that I transplant this to the outdoors (zone 5b).

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

PB

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May 12, 2012
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Cable's Reply
by: Cable Thompson

This looks very much like a Dendrobium orchid. It will like bright filtered light, consistent watering during the growing season (water just as it is reaching dryness), and it should get more thoroughly dry between waterings during its dormant period. It appears to be dormant right now, because it has few leaves; increase watering when it starts to grow again. Putting it outside for the summer would be fine, but since it's a tropical plant you'll have to bring it indoors before winter arrives; I suggest a south-facing window if possible for the best light.

May 13, 2012
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Much Thanks!
by: Pamela

Cable,

Thank you so much for your speedy and informative response!

It's great to finally know what we have here.

I will be sure to plant it in an area with southern exposure and as much sun as we can get. Will also follow h2o'ing instructions and bring in before the cold.
(Now if the earwhigs will leave my herbs alone I will be a happy girl.)

Thanks, again.

Pamela

May 14, 2012
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Don't plant it in dirt!
by: Cable Thompson

The plant is an epiphyte, meaning it grows up on the bark of a tree in nature to get closer to the light; the roots expect a lot of airflow, and will suffocate if buried in dirt. You'll likely find the plant is growing in a potting mix based mostly on fir bark; I suggest leaving the plant in the pot, and just placing it where you want it to sit over the summer.

May 15, 2012
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Thanks Once Again!
by: Anonymous

Procrastination saves the day once more! I have not had a chance to transplant the orchid and it has only been sitting outside in its pot (as you recommend).
Mom believes she recalls some of the instructions now which called for moving it to a larger pot. If I used fir based potting soil, would I be on safe ground (so to speak)?

Pam

May 15, 2012
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Cable's Reply
by: Cable Thompson

I would hold off on repotting until the plant is just starting to grow, ideally when new roots are about an inch long. You'll only need to repot if the old potting mix seems to be breaking down, or if the plant is growing over the edge of the pot; it does not appear to be in too small a pot.

I suggest using a potting mix as similar to the current one as you can find; if the change is too dramatic, the plant will need to grow a whole new set of roots adapted to the new potting mix because the old ones can't adjust. Coarseness of the bark is the most important thing to try to match; if it's currently in medium bark, try to go with a medium bark mix rather than a fine bark mix, for example.

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