Hello and OMG I am CLUELESS in S. FL!

[Aspiring]

Originally Posted by RosieC

Hi Aspring and welcome to Orchid Board

You've already got some good advice but I am a bit worried about your comment of "Orchid Soil". This is not usually good for Phals and is more intended for more terestial types of orchids. The problem is that it can be prone to smother the roots on Phals which do like to have more air.

Hi Rosie!
Thanks for the warm welcome!
I hear ya on the soil bit re: Phals. I think I mixed about 1 part soil to 9 parts bark. It was a small amount and so far things are going ok. Maybe this will be a mistake in the future, but its ok for now. Roots are coming up and out of the medium. Is that ok? I thought the roots would come out of the holes in the sides of the pot instead.

[RosieC]

There is not a problem with roots coming out the top, I've got ones doing that. But I've read that sometimes it can indicate they are not getting enough air (if the medium is too dence), but it is not necessarily that.

[Aspiring]

This makes a lot of sense Rosie! Im keeping my eye on these very carefully. I think also, they are getting too much heat on my lanai. I've moved a few into my entry way which gets only filtered late afternoon light, so its not too hot. One of my Phals had brown spots on its petals. Also, is white "dust" common on leaves? One has that as well!

Thank you!

[Amandalee]

Welcome to OB, Aspiring. I also am in FL, Winter Haven in Polk County. I keep my orchids inside my pool enclosure (inside the covered area) which recieves just the right amount of filtered light for them to do quite well. I water once a week and fertilize every two weeks. Anyway, have fun with new babies.

[Aspiring]

Thanks Amanda!
I think my new babies get too much light in the mornings as my yard faces east. I moved them to the front porch entry enclosure and I think that should be good! I had my friend and neighbor, who is a member of the Orchid Society stop by today and do a "check up". He was quite pleased and said they are doing well! YAY!

[Donald]

Love this site because of the way everbody "pitches in" with all their ideas. Simply GREAT.

[Aspiring]

Agreed Donald! BTW, anyone know how I can get a cool picture avatar? I didnt see any directions when I signed up! Thanks

[RosieC]

Hi Aspring,

It took me a while to work that out.

1. Click on UserCP at the top.
2. There will now be a whole new set of options down the side (just in form the usual set).
3. There is an 'Edit Avatar' option amoungst those (first option in the third section).