New flower as gift. Identification and care.

[CrazyConure]

Hey! We just got this beautiful flower as a gift.

Here is the list of my questions.

1 What is this plant called?

2 Does it do well indoors with regular LED lights?

3 The pot looks small with (roots?) coming out. Do I need to transplant?

4 There doesn’t appear to be any regular soil in there...does this plant not need soil to grow? It appears to look like moss.

5 what’s the proper watering schedule? Is it more of a cactus where dryer conditions are best, or are more frequent waterings better?

Thanks!

 

[Tjohn]

It is a Phalaenopsis Orchid. It needs bright light,but not full sun, water every 7 to 10 days if needed, and repot after the flower is gone in orchid potting soil. There are several good web sites that give detailed directions.

 

[Becky]

Agreed. With a bit of TLC the flowers can last for a long time, they're lovely house plants. Their natural habitat is warm, humid forests - they grow up in the trees and their roots take in moisture from the air - that's why they send roots all over the place.

 

[CrazyConure]

Thanks. Do you know how I’m supposed to water them? Do I mist them?

 

[Becky]

I usually mist the roots and leaves, then pour a little into the pot too. You don't want them sitting in water, but you can get orchid pots that have a ridge inside that raises the inner pot above the bottom to avoid it.