Growing outdoor orchids outdoors

[dodgydurian]

Recently bought an outdoor orchid at the garden center and was wanting some tips on growing them in Singapore. We have two balconies, and I've put them on an east facing balcony that gets sun from about 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. I've put them behind a large plant to minimize the sun a bit as I understand they like shade.

Questions:
1. How often to fertilize?
2. They came in a very small pot--should I re-pot it right away or is it fine? I've read on the web if it is a wet climate and they get rain they should be grown open root.

Thanks for any help...

[x9200]

Recently bought an outdoor orchid at the garden center and was wanting some tips on growing them in Singapore. We have two balconies, and I've put them on an east facing balcony that gets sun from about 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. I've put them behind a large plant to minimize the sun a bit as I understand they like shade.

From the common species there are only very limited number that can take direct sun light even for less than one hour a day so be careful.

Questions:
1. How often to fertilize?

As per the instruction on the fertilizer box

2. They came in a very small pot--should I re-pot it right away or is it fine? I've read on the web if it is a wet climate and they get rain they should be grown open root.

Yes they do and it is ok to keep them for some time in a smaller pot. What matters most (at least from my experience) is watering. If you water too much they may never bloom even if everything seems fine. You rather kill the orchid over-watering it than not watering for longer time at all.

Thanks for any help...