Newbie to Orchids but addicted

[rwdwrd]

Hello All:

I just got 2 Phalenopsis Orchids for Valentine's Day and am hooked. I went out and bought 5 more. I just love them all. I live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Texas area and have them growing near a Western window for now. I just transplanted one yesterday because it was sickly and am hoping it will survive.

[Marty]

Welcome to OrchidBoard & to the hobby. You came to the right place. Ton of experienced growers here ! Myself excluded, hehe

[sjMagoo]

Another Phal lover Welcome !!!

I'm fairly new to the board as well, but have found it to be the best around I know you will too!

Just a word of caution about phalenopsis, though - watch the direct sun from your west facing window. They get sunburned easily and really prefer indirect light. You mention "near the window" so that's a good thing

Enjoy the addiction - it's a fun ride...

[Ross]

Welcome and I agree with Sarah. Having grown Phals for many years (and watched lots die) they really like low light. They can tolerate light low enough that you can just read a newspaper. They prefer a bit more than that. I'd say east window is best, followed by north exposure if east isn't an option. Mine are in south window, but shaded by lots of other plants.

[justatypn]

Aboard rwdwrd, it's great you have found your way to the best on the web. We have a lot of fun here as well as getting down to some serious issue resolving. There is a member gallery where you can share your s and importing into your post. Enjoy yoru time here on the OB...

[terrestrial_man]

YO! WELCOME RWDWRD TO THE WORLD OF ORCHIDS!!
For a complete newbies you have found your way to the BEST forum on the net on your new addiction!!!
You will feel comfortable around here with us other orchid junkies!!! The habit is so bad that it is hard resisting the urge to get a quick fix and rush out and buy oodles more to stuff into our bedrooms when the greenhouse is packed full
Ah cheese no more room! is the real bane of our existence!!!

[rwdwrd]

I will move the Phals to an Eastern window. I am a bit overwhelmed and confused with all the information on how to grow Orchids but am determined to be a success! I bought one that had botrytis but I wanted to see if I could save it, so I cut off the flowers, cut all the affected roots and transplanted into a clean new container. With hardly any roots left, I hope it will survive. I put it in a plastic bag and have it away from bright light. Anyone have any advice on what I should or shouldn't be doing?

[Ross]

East is good. Have no comments on botrytis.

[sjMagoo]

Botrytis being a fungal problem, I think good air circulation would be best. If you've treated it with a fungicide, then leave it out in the open.
For phals with just a few roots, I have had good luck with putting them in pure spag and keeping them damp - in no time loads of new roots form. Just don't pack the spag to tight. After a time you'll be able to properly repot!

Boy, you're really jumping off the deep end to start - good for you

Good luck!

[Tindomul]

Welcome to the ORchid Board!!! Glad you found us. Those Phalaenopsis orchids can be really addictive.