Total newbie -- many questions on Phal care (I think!)

[Paul Mc]

Indeed, you need to check your potting mix. Of course, everyone prefers something a bit different when it comes to mixes, but you can find some unanamous thoughts when it comes to how to grow them. They need to get air to the roots (breathe if you will) and to dry out slightly before the next watering. Most commercial orchid mixes sold at Home Depot are not compatible. You will want a mix that can "breathe" well.

I would suggest going online and looking at various orchid suppliers to see what goes into their mixes. If you can learn what they put in their mixes, you will get a better idea of the types of ingredients you can use to make your own and to see why different people use different mediums. For example, those in dry areas might prefer sphagnum as it helps to retain moisture and humidity, but those of us in more humid environments prefer bark chunks mixed with charcoal and other types of things.

As has previously been said, don't fuss too much over your plant. Somewhere on here, one member said he/she had lost a few plants and didn't even realize it. When he/she realized that they were missing and searched for them, he/she found them in far better condition than when he/she had been taking such "good" care of them. I'm not saying to totally neglect your orchid, just that overcare is one of the primary causes orchids don't survive, lol...

[Paphluvr]

Here is a good link to a site on phaleanopsis care.

Phalaenopsis Orchid Culture, How to Care for Phalaenopsis

Hope this helps!
Paphluvr (and others)

[silken]

Welcome to OB. Remember also to not let your Phal. sit in water as the pot needs to be a well drained pot. You can soak it in water to water it if it is in bark chunks or something that dries very quickly but then when you are done watering, make sure it isn't in a water filled saucer unless it is sitting above the water level on some rocks. Also Phals are fairly low light plants so a south window may be too bright.

[jmknapp21]

Thanks for all the help, everyone! We just got back from a week away, and we have a flower spike! Maybe the advice to leave it alone was really the answer?

After this flowering, I'm going to check the soil, and we'll switch to something more draining. I'm pretty sure it is in an orchid mix soil. I like the idea of moss, so we may go that route unless everyone thinks it is harder.

I'll post a picture when we have our bloom!

Thanks again!
Jessie