[catllar]

In a fit of enthusiasm I posted myself 2 flasks of baby orchids from Thailand and they have arrived safe and sound. Err - any ideas what happens next? Anyone else had a go at this? There are about a dozen babies in each flask and the leaves are about an inch long.

I don't know what variety they are - language was a bit of an issue - I managed to establish one is yellow small flowers and the other one is purple - not a big help but I''ll be surprised if I ever get them to anywhere near flowering size. Oh and of course no help  forthcoming - but I thought someone here might know what to do!

[Annen]

I know that the Phalaenopsis type need a very open growing medium, it is like bits of bark, and just a slop of water now and then. They hate standing in water. They are usually in a transparent pot with a dimple in the bottom, but apparently that is just to discourage the roots from growing out of the pot and isn't necessary for the good health of the plant. I don't know about other varieties.

[devonbarmygardener]

Any orchid does well in 'orchid compost' - barky, bitty stuff as they need to be free draining.
They are some of the fussiest plants on the planet!

When you find the right spot for them - no drafts, out of full sun, stable temp - leave them there - they don't take kindly to being moved!

They like a bit of water but must not sit in a puddle all the time. I tend to give mine a sprinkle with water and orchid feed (you can get little feeders that sit in the pots and dribble through over time - good but can end up being pricey) then give them a good soak for an hour in a bath of water just to soak the hard bitty compost about 4 times a year.

If you can get them to grow, they'll give you so much pleasure.

[sunshineband]

http://www.orchidflasks.co.uk/8.html

These guys explain it far better than I could

They need some careful treatment before you worry about bark compost etc to be honest, but with some patience you can grow them to flowering size

Specialist advice available --- so hope it all goes well  

Once they get bigger they will be easy to look after 

[catllar]

Thanks Sunny that's great-  I'll give it a go - they only cost me 4 euros plus 10 euros for postage so if it doesn't work I've not lost a lot.

[devonbarmygardener]

Have a look at the website: www.orchids.uk.com
It's the website of Burnham Nurseries or 'Orchid Paradise' in Newton Abbott in Devon.

Their whole family has years of experience in growing orchids and are really nice people.