phal watering & fertilizer

[SamandAnne]

Hi all,

I've heard that it is best to fertilize with an orchid fertilizer in times when a phal is not in bloom. I've also heard to water carefully with the sink faucet, letting the water soak into the bark and even allowing it to soak for a few minutes at each watering.

I have a gallon jug with a gallon's worth of orchid fertilizer mixed in. What in your experience is the best way to water a phal with fertilizer?

I also notice that when I use clear pots and only water when the lower roots have turned white, I'm losing the upper/aerial roots to drying out. Any suggestions for the future on this? I decided it was better to let them dry out than rot the rest, but is there a way to keep both top exposed roots and lower roots happy?

Thanks!