What's more important, heat or light?

[supersheep]

It's not in flower at the moment, so I hope it would be ok to move if it was going to get really cold?

But I'll definitely put it on the windowsill.

Though one more quick question (sorry!), would it be best to have it in a ceramic pot or just the clear plastic pot with a tray underneath?

I've got two ceramic pots - one very big, so I'd have to support it with a pot overturned underneath, or one that fits it with about 1/2 inch diameter space and is the right height with some stones underneath.

Thanks!

[RosieC]

If it's not in flower I wouldn't worry about moving it about. I do that a lot with mine when out of flower. I have more phals than I can fit on the windowledges so I rotate them round a bit to make sure none of them spend too long in the darker areas.

I have mine in clear plastic pots then slipped inside a ceramic pot. You want to make sure it never stands in water in the bottom of the ceramic pot, always make sure it's completely drained before putting it back. There are two ways to water, one is to lift it out the ceramic pot and then run plenty of water through, drain thoroughly and then replace in the ceramic pot. The other is to fill the ceramic pot with water, leave for about 10min then drain thoroughly before putting back in the empty ceramic pot. I do the second method when fertilizing and the first when giving it a monthly flush with rain water, but that's just me.

I like ceramic pots for the look in the house. In the greenhouse I just let them drain onto the ground, with no outer pot or tray, but in the house the ceramic pots are prettier.

You can get some ceramic pots that have a lip near the bottom to hold the plastic pot off the bottom, or have a bulge in the bottom to hold it off the bottom. These are great to ensure the plastic pot can't be left sitting in water. If I use pots without that I put stones in the bottom so it probably sounds best to use the second smaller one to me with stones in the bottom. Either will probably do though, anything that does not leave it standing in water will be fine.

[RosieC]

By the way, welcome to Orchid Board

[supersheep]

Originally Posted by RosieC

By the way, welcome to Orchid Board

Thanks!

And thanks for all the help.

I think I'm starting to become a bit of an orchid-aholic! I bought another one today, a lovely white one in bloom from Sainsburys supermarket.

[RosieC]

I used to find it hard to go in Sainsburys without coming out with a new one. I find it easier now because I have more than I can really care for in most of the colours they sell... but I still look longingly every time

[supersheep]

Originally Posted by RosieC

I used to find it hard to go in Sainsburys without coming out with a new one. I find it easier now because I have more than I can really care for in most of the colours they sell... but I still look longingly every time

LOL! They do all look so pretty don't they! I hope that means that Sainsbury's orchids are usually quite good?

I was very good and only bought one - it was very hard to not just get both I liked! They are just so pretty!

[rangiku]

Originally Posted by supersheep

I was very good and only bought one - it was very hard to not just get both I liked! They are just so pretty!

Spoken like a true orchidholic. Welcome, supersheep!

[Orchid126]

The most important aspect of growing orchids is light. Without the right light, it won't matter how much you water it, or how much you feed it, or how warm or cold it is, if there isn't enough light to stimulate the plant into utilizing them, it won't thrive. The second most important aspect is temperature.

[zxyqu]

The above is not as accurate as implied. Warmth/cold will kill a plant quicker than complete darkness. Both are, IMO, equally important. I just think in this case, that sufficient warmth (<60 deg) is important for a phal, when light is at least "low".

[supersheep]

Thanks zxyqu.

I am getting a bit worried about temperature, as it's still getting quite cold here at night.

I think I might just move the orchid on a daily basis? Move it to the windowsill during the day, then bring it back to a warmer room at night?

Do you think that would be ok?

Oh and would putting it near a bright 40watt desk lamp help in the evenings?