Hi! Have lots of questions and just got a phal

[zxyqu]

I use the MSU fertilizer from FirstRays.com, but there are probably other sources for it. But really most any good orchid fertilizer should be fine. I'm sure others will have some to recommend that you may be able to buy locally.

[Olivia]

I just checked my bag and there is no fertilizer listed as an ingredient for the "better gro special orchid mix."

It is just fir bark, hardwood charcoal, and coarse perlite.

[zxyqu]

Alright, well time to fertilize then. As was suggested before, I also recommend a "weakly" weekly dose of fertilizer, with 1 time a month flushing of the media with plain water.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Hi, welcome to the OB.

1. The roots look healthy.

2. If you plan on repotting now, it's fine. Spring through summer is usually the prime growing season for Phals.

3. When repotting, if the roots cannot fit into the current pot, you may need to get a pot that is about 1/2" larger.

4. The flowers are almost done blooming.

5. Bud blast is when the buds prematurely drop.

There is a sticky called "The Phal abuse ends here." in the Beginner Discussion forum. Most of your questions will be answered there.

The OB also has a glossary of terms. If there are any further questions regarding terms and their definitions, don't hesitate to ask for better clarification.

As you can see, photos can drastically improve the quality of the answers you receive to your questions.

Should there be any more specific questions you may feel free to ask.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Hard water for Phals is fine. Water softening salts are no good.

Brita filters have limited filtration power, but is okay.

If Miracle Gro potting mix has peat moss in it, that's no good. If it's too fine of a mix, that's no good as well.

The problem with peat is that it can compact and cause long term problems with proper air circulation to the roots for a plant that has adapted to an epiphytical lifestyle. Particularly for most Phals which are accustomed to growing on trees in a very humid and relatively consistently moist habitat with their roots exposed to a lot of air.

Too fine of a potting mix also doesn't allow for the potting media to dry out fast enough. A plant's roots can suffocate and die as a result of too much water.

[NewtoOrchids]

Thanks! I should definitely check out that thread and the glossary.

If I use the water from the Brita filter, do you think there would be any salt build-up?

Also, when re-potting I should soak the mix right? How long do I need to soak it for? Do I just soak it in water?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Some people boil bark for about an hour before they use it.

Some people just soak for roughly 24 hrs prior to use.

Over time, should the water going through the Brita filter not be treated with water softening salts, there could be significant amounts of salt build-up as a result of using the Brita filtered water, but it will take a very long time.

If that water has been treated with water softening salts, and then filtered with the Brita filter, I don't know what to tell you. I don't have the data to give you for your assessment.