Been left to look after an orchid. Help needed please.

KittyBoo_2

My son agreed to look after his girlfriends orchid while she has gone working away and to be honest I'm worried about the state it's in.
It looks like a stick and all it's roots are showing but it has signs of life on one of the branches and it has 2 leaves that are a bit sad looking.
Should I re-pot it and water it regularly or is it as delicate a job as I am imagining?
I would really appreciate any suggestions how to revive it for when she gets home because son obviously has no idea.
Thanks.

niksyg

It soundshow my orchid looks...and they are meant to look like that!!

In between flowering they can often look a bit ropey and odd, but it's worth it for when the flowers come. Don't water it directly, just put some water into the pot it's in so it can soak up, but not too much. Mine seems to like being in the bathroom because of the steam so maybe give it a bathroom treat whilst you have it!

slummymummyof3

I have orchids and mine seem to thrive on neglect - just as well really because I forget about them for weeks on end!

jomio123

It might just be hungry - a dose of food just for orchids will give it a boost

niksyg

http://www.easyorchids.co.uk/site/re-potting-a-phalaenopsis.html

have a look here if you want to repot!

frivolous_fay

I second the bathroom - ours do very well in there. Wish we had a bigger bathroom windowsill - the orchids around the rest of the house end up looking ropy!

I rarely remember to feed mine - although I try to do it when they're flowering.

Casati

I would not repot it, orchids like a bit of harsh treatment. You SHOULD be able to see the roots. In the wild you will find a lot of them grow in nooks & crannys on big trees, where there is little if any soil. Nicksyg gives good advice.

KittyBoo_2

Thanks for your replies and useful advice.
It's good to know that it is meant to look neglected.
I always assumed orchids were a beautiful looking plant but I have only ever seen the flowers before.