P365 2023, Day 84 - Blooming

[grundyscribbling]

P365 2023 masterpost

Comments

[independence1776]

I can't remember if you've posted what type this is before/already, but this looks like the one Mom's late brother bought her several years before he passed and I have no idea what it is.

[grundyscribbling]

Unfortunately, with orchids if you don't have a tag, it's hard to say for sure. I can say it's definitely a phalaenopsis, but I wouldn't be able to tell you the cross for sure just by looking at it, as there can be similar hybrids. (It's almost definitely a hybrid.)

[independence1776]

Ah, well. The tag is looong gone, but that's a bit more information than I had before. Thank you.

[grundyscribbling]

You're welcome! Honestly, unless you're a collector, knowing the exact name doesn't do much for you. If you know it's a phal, you know how to take care of it, and as long as you like the flowers, that's what matters!

[independence1776]

It's pretty much entirely about not wanting it to die when I housesit for my parents because of Mom's emotional connection to it. I'd like the other houseplants to be fine, of course, but that one I'm terrified about.

[grundyscribbling]

Orchids are really not difficult, and even the more temperamental ones can survive considerable neglect. Taking care of phals in particular is pretty easy. Unless you're housesitting for months, I'd say the only real danger is over-watering.

If it's happy where it is, don't move it. Don't over water. If it's in sphagnum (it probably is), water often enough to keep the sphagnum damp but not soaking. If in doubt, look at the roots - if there's green to them, the plant doesn't need watering. When you water, water the roots, not the leaves. Don't use freezing cold water or ice cubes.

[independence1776]

That is very much a relief to hear. All I use is tap water and I do water the roots. Thank you!