Phals for beginners. Are they easy?

[JerseyGirlBecky]

Hope I don't make this too long. My first orchid was a phal and a gift. I knew nothing except not to over water. The poor thing was never repotted for over two years. I never soaked it in water, just watered lightly from the top. I did get the Miracle grow fertilizer and gave it a shot half strength maybe once a month. It bloomed three times and got more and bigger leaves.
Then, i got a couple of more, learned everything I could about them, and repotted in the bark mixture. Now, I am a wreck. Am I watering too much, not enough? I am up to 9 of them.
I have learned that they can look beautiful from the top and you think they are doing just great. If and when they show signs of a problem you are almost surely going to lose them. They are expert at hiding problems until it is almost too late. Those roots are the key to a healthy one I believe. At least most of the time.
Anyway, if you can get the hang of them they are wonderful. BUT, are they easy? I don't think so.

Becky