Hi! Have lots of questions and just got a phal - Page 4 - Orchid Board

NewtoOrchids · #1 05-02-2011, 02:32 PM

Hi! I recently became fascinated with orchids and have been studying a lot about them. There are still some things I am confused on. Before I go asking a bunch of questions, I guess I should tell about my orchid, etc...

I just brought a phal home last night. I wasn't expecting to get one then, so I don't have everything I need yet. I'm keeping it in one of the bedrooms (it's bright during the day) and we keep our house within the temperature range that they need. The phal has some buds and blooms, and as far as I can tell the roots look good. Some look kinda iffy...but not awful. It came in a clear pot inside of a clay one. I know it's best to re-pot after buying, but I'm not sure if I should re-pot in the same one, or if I should get a new pot. (I think it may need a bigger one, but I'm not sure how to tell and I don't know how much bigger.) The sales lady (who has orchids of her own) suggested a potting mix for me. I was kinda hesitant because it didn't seem very chunky.

My husband and I just moved to FL and I'm new to growing a plant in general, so I don't know where to find the best clear pots, etc. I have tried searching on the internet, but haven't found much close by. I don't know if I would have time to wait for something to be shipped to me...

I'm sorry if all this seems jumbled...I have a lot going through my head.

I was wondering if I could ask all my questions here or would it be best to go to the appropriate thread?

I have questions about potting media, watering (we have well water. It's hard and we have to use a salt softener. We have a Brita filter, but I don't know if that'll be good enough or not.), re-potting, and misting in addition to or in place of using a tray with stones.

Thanks so much for any info you can provide! I look forward to talking with all of you!