Basic help needed - Orchid Board

patbu · #1 04-29-2007, 05:42 PM

I purchased an orchid at our local grocery store a year ago. It died due to lack of expertise. Yesterday, I decided to purchase another but I need help. It is a phalaenopis. I have put it in the west window where I have my violets. A friend is giving me orchid plant food that she does not use (I think her orchid died too). Any advice for a beginner? They are so gorgeous I would like to keep it living.

Pat

dennis · #2 04-29-2007, 05:56 PM

i would move both to a east window phals do not like alot of light. neither do av's least mine do not my phals are in the east window and my av's are in a window that faces north but right next to the east. what kind of medium are they planted in this will help you decide on how often to water. where is your location as this plays into growing them as well

Ross · #3 04-29-2007, 05:59 PM

I would move this post to the intros section! Welcome to the board.

Marty · #4 04-29-2007, 10:31 PM

Posts moved it to beginner discussion, since intos aren't really a must at OB

Dorothy · #5 04-30-2007, 12:41 AM

Phals don't mind light but it can not be direct, that will burn the leaves. Bright light with a barrier(white curtain) in between the (sun)window and phal works well. Most people overwater their Phals as they can go very dry before watering. It is imperative to examine your medium. Is your Phal planted in potting soil? (not good), with a lot of moss? (that can keep the roots too wet creating rot), was water allowed to sit in the crown (more rot) ?
Phals get their nutrients from the air and water. Were the roots allowed to breathe?(goes back to medium) Did you mist the roots when they did appear dry? Did you give your phal a good soaking when you did water it. Did you let it drain through? Did you allow water to sit and collect at the base of the container your phal was place in or on? (bad idea)
How did your phal look as it was depleting in health? What noticeable changes occurred to the plant?
Please feel free to share your information so you can be directed as what to do for your new phal and prevent it from succumbing to the same circumstances your last phal did!

Phals aren't difficult to maintain and keep .. you just have to know what to do to make them happy!

patbu · #6 04-30-2007, 12:59 AM

Thanks for the assistance. I live in the Northwest Territories, Canada. We do not get much sun during the winter. We are just beginning to get more sun during the day. I have put my african violets in the north window but they will not flower there because of lack of light. I moved them to the west window and they do really well. That is why I put the phal in the west window. It is not direct sunlight. My phal is in moss. I have not misted the roots--do you take it out of the pot to do this?

Pat

Ross · #7 04-30-2007, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patbu

Thanks for the assistance. I live in the Northwest Territories, Canada. We do not get much sun during the winter. We are just beginning to get more sun during the day. I have put my african violets in the north window but they will not flower there because of lack of light. I moved them to the west window and they do really well. That is why I put the phal in the west window. It is not direct sunlight. My phal is in moss. I have not misted the roots--do you take it out of the pot to do this?

Pat

Pull some of the moss out and see if it's actually planted in moss or the moss is just a decorative cover. If the latter, then throw the moss away - it will just lead to root rot by keeping the mix too wet. This is just my opinion. If the plant is actually growing in moss then be very careful about watering as the moss will hold water for longer than mopen mixes like bark.

smartie2000 · #8 04-30-2007, 02:36 PM

Welcome to OB
I hear that you are even more far north than I am. I agree with dorothy.
I think you won't need much sun protection except during the hottest month of summer. I think you will be fine with a few hours of direct sunlight.
During the winter the plants may not recieve enough light and they will stall. You may need to give it supplimental lighting. I think you will recieve even less light than me during the winter.
The most common way these plants have died is through overwatering. If it is in sphagnum moss, let the moss dry before the next watering. And repot every year with sphag moss. Bark is in easier medium to use for beginners, and I recommend it.

Tindomul · #9 04-30-2007, 03:31 PM

One last thing, don't let water collect on the top of the orchid, where the leaves meet. This is the crown, and standing water there can lead to crown rot, and the death of your orchid.
Welcome to the Forum!!!

justatypn · #10 04-30-2007, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

One last thing, don't let water collect on the top of the orchid, where the leaves meet. This is the crown, and standing water there can lead to crown rot, and the death of your orchid.

Early morning watering does well with good air circulation. Phals are extremely forgiving once you find the happy enviroment, they will flourish you with gorgeous blooms....

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