How to take care of orchids.
Received orchids for Mother's Day and want to report them and keep them healthy and alive.
Answer
Dear Orchid Grower: Since you have just received them for Mother's Day, they may not need repotting quite yet. If they are growing out of the pot (some orchids, such as Phalaenopsis, naturally have roots that grow out and over the sides of the pot, which is fine until the roots are way out of bounds!), then you will need orchid potting bark and maybe a slightly bigger pot. Prune off any dead roots and remove the old bark/soil. Tuck the roots into the new pot and secure the plant in the pot with the new orchid bark. Mist the foliage and, after a few days, water the roots (that gives the roots time to heal from being transplanted). Place plant in strong morning light and mist frequently and water once a week. The orchid should do well. In the winter keep the plant in as much moisture as possible. Feed with 1/4 strength orchid fertilizer occasionally. If you Google Phalaenopsis or whatever kind of orchid you received, more details of care are available.
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Have fun with your orchid!