Phalaenopsis Orchid with Yellowing Stem and wrinkled flowers

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by orchidnoob

Thanks everyone for the great advice!

Good to hear that there's actually nothing wrong with my orchid. So would now be a good time to add fertilizer? Do i even need it? If so which brand would you recommend?

Hi and welcome--

You know it is often not a science to growing these plants but an art and one that you can quickly pick up if you keep a few things in mind. As mentioned above, watering isn't a set schedule and the color of the roots will often tell you what you need to know-- but even that is not always the case. I live in Colorado where it is quite dry most of the year and if I used the root color to decide when I'd water my plants would be drowned as the roots exposed to the open air dry quickly. That is not to say this method isn't good and shouldn't be used as it depends on where you live and your conditions.

Once the spike is done, the plant will begin focusing on new roots and leaves. So, a balanced fertilizer will work fine but remember these plants are not heavy feeders-- so use sparingly. Some use the term "weak weekly"-- meaning its a low dose of fertilizer every week (or whenever you need to water) will likely make your plant happy.

Read, read, read everything on this board and you'll find most of the answers to your questions. The people are here are very friendly and are always helpful to answer your questions or concerns. Welcome and enjoy your phal! (They're my favorite!).