Carol has made a dynamite suggestion. You will find a great deal of information in that thread within the NGA Orchid Forums.
The most important thing I can emphasize to you is that whatever you think that you might know about plants, much of this does not apply to orchids!
Your orchid is a Phalaenopsis. And as such it is an "Epiphyte". This means that it grows on other things, rocks, tree branches etc. for 'support' only. It is NOT a parasite!! I gets no nourishment from the tree that it might grow on.
As an epiphyte, it's roots need oxygen to survive, the roots need to breathe. Therefore you can not grow an epiphyte in soil. It is too dense and the roots will suffocate.
Phalaenopsis can be repotted once a year. In fact they like it. But from all of my years of experience they tell me that if you think that you need to repot it because the roots are going everywhere, as soon as you do, new roots grow and grow right out of the pot!
It is just the nature of Phalaenopsis roots. In nature, their roots have been known to wander 2-3 meters from the base of the plant as they search for moisture and support.
So please browse our orchid forums and enjoy!! Welcome to the world of orchids!
Oh yes, Phalaenopsis generally bloom in the spring but good growers can keep a mature plant in flower for a total of 4, 6, even 9-10'months!!! They are simply amazing and so much fun to grow.
