Rhyd6 wrote:I've been given an orchid in a tall glass container. The orchid is planted in what seems to be bark, there are no instructions on watering etc. and I have no idea how to take care of it. Any help gratefully received.
Saying you have an "orchid" is like saying you have an "animal" - the best conditions vary dramatically depending what sort you have. The most common ones are moth orchids,
Phalenopsis, which have a rosette of broad leaves at the bottom and off-white fleshy "roots" - they don't like direct sun and really don't like the lack of humidity in most modern houses. A relative has one that's very happy in a north-facing window of a utility room that is only heated indirectly by air coming from the kitchen next door, on a gravel tray kept topped up with water to maintain humidity. They do get tired and benefit enormously from being repotted when they do - we stay with the recommendation to use a transparent pot but I don't know how criticial that is.
Cymbidium are the other common one, which have lots of strap-like leaves like Crocosmia or something - they are much more tolerant of warmth or low humidity (without going crazy, a bedroom is ideal) but do appreciate being put outside over the summer, they need to feel the seasons. They're much more needy about being fed.
I'll put a shout out for
Dendrobium, which are less common but make cute little plants that flower really reliably and are more forgiving of modern houses.