Purchased my first Phalaenopsis today. Need a good start!

[tucker85]

I agree with all the advice you've received already. One thing to keep in mind is that the tightly packed sphagnum moss that commercially grown phals come in, is the worst possible way to grow them at home. Phals like other orchids grow on trees with the roots exposed to air. The goal is to plant them in a more open medium that can retain some moisture but also allows air to get to the roots. I also agree that there's no need to treat the cut on the flower stem. Good luck.