My daughter gave me an orchid a year and a half ago. It bloomed approx 5 months then, and another 5 months this year. Blooms are beginning to die, but there is also a lot of new root growth (outside of the pot). What do I do with it?
Just leave it as it is. This is the normal growth pattern for orchids. You can start spritzing the roots once a week or so with a spray bottle to help water the plant.
I have been giving my plant 4 big ice cubes a week for watering. It doesn't seem like enough. It is so dry. Some flowers are dropping. Is this ok?
You may want to try spritzing it a bit or setting it on a pebble tray to raise the humidity around it. You can also try just dunking the container/roots in water once a week as well. Don't let it sit in standing water but dousing the roots can be helpful.
I have a common orchid from a supermarket, which has stopped blooming. Have cut down stem to half inch and is very healthy with 5 more shoots growing up and good new leaves. It is in a very small see through pot in bark. Do I repot it in a bigger one yet? It flowered this summer and should the transparent pot be exposed or is it ok in the ceramic pot it came in?
zilka51, your orchid is probably a phalenopsis, or moth orchid. They usually prefer to be potbound to some degree. While some prefer to repot yearly, others like to repot as needed. I find that the phals tend to bloom with more spikes and blooms when slightly potbound...age of plant helps also. When the roots are coming out over the top of the pot and you think that there are more roots outside than inside, then is the time to repot! It is OK to leave the transparent container inside the ceramic, but orchids love air circulation. You might think about leaving it out until company is ccoming over.
It's a Phalaenopsis. I live in China and this is the first time I've personally ever seen this orchid in dirt. I find it difficult to know when to water it because of this. Most times I've watered it, the dirt has been very dry but the leaves are slowly wilting. Is that a lack of water?
I've found it helpful to soak dry orchids in tepid water for 6-8 hours to enable the plant's rehydration. Most 'phals' will react the way your describe when allowed to dry out too often.
This article should help; https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/indoor-orchid-care.htm
Try to identify it. You can look online or go to your local arborist and they would help you. Gardening is a craft involving patience so do not rush into fertilizing it. Since orchids do not bear fruit and you are not concerned about your yield, your plant will not be affected by late fertilization; a premature, over fertilization can be potentially fatal to your plant, especially if it is still young. Good Luck and Happy Growing!
Cheers,
Joe
Different varieties of orchids are dormant at different times. Since you didn't say what your orchid is, it's difficult to answer this question.
Can I place orchids in south window with blinds?
You don't specify what orchid family. Some varieties need or will tolerate more sun than others. If the area is bright, several varieties should do well.
What is the growing season for orchids?
Please be more specific. Different orchids grow at different times of the year.