Most orchids are epiphytes. A common plant that is a terrestrial is Cymbidiums. In general, unless terrestrial is specified, assume epiphyte.

The few Paphs I have are treated like epiphytes, I will leave it to better Paph people that I to advise you on that.

Phals are epiphytic.

Cattleyas and phals are epiphytes. Paphs and phrags are terrestrial: they require a mix the holds a bit more moisture: fine grade fir with some fine charcoal and ground peat. Phals are epiphytes but require a bit more moisture than a cattleya since it has no psuedobulbs to store water. A general purpose mix would be fine. Some phals can be planted in long strand shpagnum moss (but I would put it into an unglazed clay pot) so it doesn't get soggy.

Oops...just realized I have a dendrobium as well. Is that an epiphyte? It has three little babies growing off of it.

Ah! I'm overwhelmed with the orchids right now. I think I should probably be fertilizing as none of them have bloomed in a year.

Sorry, I'm all over the place here...

Dendrobiums are definitely epiphites - the name comes from dendron+bios (tree + life, greek). Fun orchid fact of the day :D

Good fact, Calvin. Didn't know that.

Idafrances, there are other cultural problems going on with your plants if you haven't had flowers and your dens are growing keikis. Why don't you tell us a little more about where you are growing them and your conditions? A few photos will help.

Jane

Ok, here goes...two photos apiece of my orchids. Hoping the link works...(gulp)

hmmm, technical diffculties..

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=276782661/a=57733164_57733164/t_=57733164

Hi idafrances. There is a pic of a hard-cane den but your site requires I sign up to view your pictures. Your den looks healthy. What kind of light are your plants getting? How often do you water? Den's like to be fairly dry and high light.

Tell more about your growing conditions.

Jane

Hi Jane,

Thanks so much for your help! Sorry about the website...is there a way to put pictures in the body of the message? Not too good at this stuff! :)

From October to April, the orchids are in my bathroom sitting by a small south-facing window with a white blind to block the direct rays. I have the paph the furthest away so it doesn't get as much light.

May to September, they are in my back porch (3 season), which is also south facing and with white curtains blocking the direct rays of the sun.

I have never fertilized these plants, and I water once a week or less, depending on how wet the plants are. The phal has some new growth that is looking promising, and the den looks like it's doing ok. The paph's leaves are slightly yellowing on the outsides.

I'm happy to repost the photos with some tech assistance!

I am planning on repotting this weekend unless otherwise recommended.

I'm going to *try* and post a photo in this message...

Here are the photos on my jewelry blog:

http://emilysjewelry.blogspot.com/

Here is a link that might be useful: orchid photos on my blog

First, I would say that your plants are not getting enough light. At your latitude, they should have at least a few hours of winter sun, particularly the den. Open the blinds and sheers. The den wants as much sun as you can give it, winter and summer.

Paph looks ok, as yellowing is on older leaves. But still, more light.

The phal looks bad. Needs a dead root trim and repotting into an airy, moisture-retentive mix in a plastic pot with air holes and good drainage. You can see my mix recipe if you look at the bottom of the current postings on CHC. You can set that in a decorative pot.

Nothing wrong with your plants that more light and a repot won't fix.

And nice jewelry, by the way.

I just peeked at your jewelry, idafrances... really gorgeous pieces! You're very talented! Thanks for the blog link!

And, good luck with your orchids!

Hollyt,

Thanks for your feedback. I would love to see the recipe for your mix...what/where is CHC?

Also, are there any fertilizers that you would recommend?

Thanks again!
Emily

and thanks for the compliments, hollyt & jodik! That's very nice to hear...I often think that maybe I should stop making jewelry cause so many people are doing it, but I do love it.

Hollyt: Found out what you meant...thanks!

HI,
I'm no expert but i have been having a lot of success with some things that i have been doing. I have been repotting my phals. in a bark mix i get from repot me, and i have been using Aussie gold for my paphs. & some fine rooted others.
As i mentioned i am not an expert but my paphs. have had two and three blooms per spike and the others are doing just as well.
GOOD LUCK HANK....