What do I do???

[Jasmine]

I received an orchid as a gift and I have no idea what type it is or
how to care for it. It has lavendar petals and is magenta at the
center of the flower as wells as yellow. The center of the flower
curls out and has 2 teeth or claw looking things. Right now it has 4
open flowers and 3 buds. I'm not sure if it needs to be repotted
either. The roots are coming over the pot which is the size of a very
large tall cup, maybe 32oz. The soil is moist and the leaves are a
light green. Help!!! I have this gorgeous plant and I want to keep it
alive.

[dennis...@aol.com]

Dear Jasmine:

In order for me to give you any advice, I need to figure out what kind
of orchid you have. Color is of no use in this, and very many orchids
would have the combination of colors you describe. A digital image, or
some sort of description of the plant would be of more use:
Does the plant have bulb like stems (rounded, or oval, thickened or
flattened) from which the leaves come, or are the leaves on opposite
pairs directly from the potting mix?
Are the leaves thin, thick and succulent, long and narrow, broad and
short?
Does the flowering stem come from the base of the growth, from among
the leaves, or from the top?
How tall is it?
How tall is the plant?
How big are the flowers?

I can tell you that generally you do not repot orchids while they are
in flower, but only when they are actively making new growth and new
roots. And they take smaller pots than other plants seem to like.
Roots growing out into the air are no problem, many orchids do that,
simply get them wet when you water.

Untill I figure out what kind of orchid it is, and thus can give you
better care information (and Orchids have needs that vary wildly from
Genus to Genus), it will be OK while in bloom kept in bright light,
and only watered when the potting mix is barely moist (the top half
inch to inch will be dry). Please read the text on watering I have on
this site (found by clicking on "techniques/culture). If this is your
first orchid, it is important to understand that orchids are not
watered like other houseplants.

To help identify the plant, please go to the Orchid Doctor page at
www.orchidsanfrancisco.org and check out the care sheets we have there
(that will be easier than a description). What is important is the
shape of the plant and flower, not the color.

Sincerely,
Dennis