Hello! New to orchids and would like advice

[SlipperGirl]

Originally Posted by rocketshipwalker

I went to a couple nurseries this morning and I found a very pretty Phal.
I bought it.
When I can post pictures, I will.
It's currently sitting in my east/northeast window.

It has two spikes. I don't think I've seen that before, so will that be okay?
Also, I didn't notice until I got home, but the wooden stick that the plant is attached to was poked through one of the leaves.
Is there anything I should do for that leaf?

---------- Post added at 12:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:29 PM ----------

I have more questions:

Would you recommend I replant it?
If so, what should I replant it in?
It seems like it's planted only in moss at the moment.

I've seen some 'orchid food'. Do I need to buy some?
If so, what kind?

Also, I've seen some people have trays with pebbles under their orchids on their windowsills.
Do I need to do that, or were they doing that for decoration?

The two spikes is great!
The phal looks healthy so I would make sure that the moss is not to old and is loose and leave it until its done blooming then repot it.
I use a mix of CHC sponge rock and charcoal this is a mix that I really like so far some people don't like CHC, you could also buy a potting mix from repotme.com but I like to make my own.
Yes your orchid will like some food, I use MSU orchid fertilizer from firstrays.com but I think you can use just about any fertilizer.
People put the trays with pebbles under there orchids to help with the humidity if you have low humidity then you can put them on one.

Hope this helps

[rocketshipwalker]

Thanks for the info!
I definitely don't need the pebbles, then.
I live in Florida, so the humidity is really high.

The moss doesn't seem loose. The guy at the nursery said the orchid I picked out was a new one they just got in.
I was looking at the mixes on repotme.com and I might end up buying one. It seems like it'd be cheaper than making my own since I only have the one orchid.
When I buy the orchid food, how often should I feed it?
Also, the guy told me that he just dunks the pot into a bucket of water once a week.
Is that a correct way to water it?

And would you have any advice on what I should do about the stick that went through a leaf?

[SlipperGirl]

Originally Posted by rocketshipwalker

Thanks for the info!
I definitely don't need the pebbles, then.
I live in Florida, so the humidity is really high.

The moss doesn't seem loose. The guy at the nursery said the orchid I picked out was a new one they just got in.
I was looking at the mixes on repotme.com and I might end up buying one. It seems like it'd be cheaper than making my own since I only have the one orchid.
When I buy the orchid food, how often should I feed it?
Also, the guy told me that he just dunks the pot into a bucket of water once a week.
Is that a correct way to water it?

And would you have any advice on what I should do about the stick that went through a leaf?

I don't think there is anything you can do for the leaf.

I give my orchids1/3 tsp that's 50 ppm at every watering (well that's what I try to do I have not been to good at fertilizing lately)

I have heard of people soaking the pot in water, but I like to take my orchids to a sink and dump the water in the top of the pot let it drain then put it back. A little side note do NOT let the orchid ever sit in water, whenever you water make sure that is drains all the way before you put it back in the decorative pot.

[rocketshipwalker]

Even if there is nothing I can do for the leaf, should I still remove the stick?
Repotme.com has a couple starter kits.
Would you think it'd be a good idea to buy one of those?
If so, would the classic orchid kit or the phal kit be best?
I'm guessing the phal kit?

[SlipperGirl]

Originally Posted by rocketshipwalker

Even if there is nothing I can do for the leaf, should I still remove the stick?
Repotme.com has a couple starter kits.
Would you think it'd be a good idea to buy one of those?
If so, would the classic orchid kit or the phal kit be best?
I'm guessing the phal kit?

I would move the stick.

The only thing that is different in the kit is the stakes and the potting mix, I don't think one is better then the other its really whatever one you think would make the better potting mix for you.

[rocketshipwalker]

Thanks!
You've definitely been a huge help.
I think you've answered all my questions.

---------- Post added at 04:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:47 PM ----------

I've just bought the Phal growing kit.

[SlipperGirl]

Originally Posted by rocketshipwalker

Thanks!
You've definitely been a huge help.
I think you've answered all my questions.

---------- Post added at 04:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:47 PM ----------

I've just bought the Phal growing kit.

Glad I could help

[JRC]

nice phals you have there. Whats the name of the middle one?