"BonnieJean" wrote in message
...
Try the rec.gardens.orchids group. There are a lot of knowledgable people
there.

There are knowledgeable people HERE as well. I've grown orchids for many
years.

You most likely have a phalaenopsis (butterfly/moth orchid) or dendrobium.
If the orchid looks like a collection of leathery leaves radiating out from
a center point, and not much height to the plant itself, then its a
phalaenopsis. If the orchid body is like a stalk with upright leaves
growing from the sides then its a dendrobium.

In either event do stake the flower stems. The flowers will begin to bud
and then open, but not very fast. The tradeoff, though, is that the blooms
will last a very long time.

Try to keep the plants at room temperature if you can (60 - 70) and at least
40% humidity.

Hope this helps.

- Dewolla Stepon


Bonnie

"Patrick Mullins" wrote in message
. com...
Hello,

I don't know where to post this. I recently started growing orchids. I
purchased two plants last year and when we moved into our current house
the
previous owner left me some of his orchids as he had too many to move to
his
new house. I did lose three last winter in the greenhouse. We
finally
closed it up and I installed a heater to keep it from getting below 50
degrees.

My question is one of the orchids has two long flower stems. One is
over
three feet long and the other is about two feet give or take. When do
the
flowers bloom? They sprouted out for over several weeks ago. Should I
go
ahead and stake the stems before the flowers come out or wait until it
starts blooming? I brought it in the house to keep it safe from the
cold
weather. I live in Columbus Georgia.

Thank you,

Deborah