First-timer, need some help please!

[bnaz]

Thank you for your help thus far, guys. When I bought it, I didn't know enough that I should have checked the roots first-- I'm going to buy a bark-based potting medium asap and repot as soon as I can. Once I pull it from the pot and shake the moss from the roots, I'll soak it for ten minutes and then take a picture and post it here so you guys can help me with trimming the dead roots. Would that be okay?

I do also want to buy some fertilizer. I'm completely new to buying fertilizer. I know they're "rated" (is that an appropriate term?) on the N-P-K ratio, and I know that the fertilizer needs to be urea free. Is there a certain brand I should look for? One that is high-quality, that I'd be able to find pretty easily?

Again, thanks for your help! I'm gonna do all I can to get this little one in tip-top shape.

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome to the OB!
Your new phal is a cutie, it's actual name is Dtps. Long Pride Green Pixie which means it is NOT a noID (no identification plant).
For my 2 cents: Repotting in a bark based medium is probably a real good idea but watch the potting medium you get--NO MIRACLE GROW. It is way to heavy for phal roots and will smother them. As for fertilizer as long as it's urea free it should be ok. Peters is very easy to find and pretty good as an example.
When repotting, soak your bark for a few hours first so it will be able to hold moisture.
Pot your phal in the smallest pot the roots will fit into and water when the roots are silver/white. (Green roots do not require water). A clear plastic pot is perfect for watching the color of the roots. Enjoy your plant.
Joann

[mmursuli]

Originally Posted by Zoi2

Hello and welcome to the OB!
Your new phal is a cutie, it's actual name is Dtps. Long Pride Green Pixie which means it is NOT a noID (no identification plant).
For my 2 cents: Repotting in a bark based medium is probably a real good idea but watch the potting medium you get--NO MIRACLE GROW. It is way to heavy for phal roots and will smother them. As for fertilizer as long as it's urea free it should be ok. Peters is very easy to find and pretty good as an example.
When repotting, soak your bark for a few hours first so it will be able to hold moisture.
Pot your phal in the smallest pot the roots will fit into and water when the roots are silver/white. (Green roots do not require water). A clear plastic pot is perfect for watching the color of the roots. Enjoy your plant.
Joann

I agree. As for fetilizer, I've always used Better Gro Orchid Fertilizers @ 1/4 the strength once a week. Then every 4th week I use the bloom booster. Here's a pic of the ferts. Easily found at Home Depot, Lowes, etc.