Hello new to orchids :)

[Cesca]

Hello! My name is Cesca and I recently got an Orchid Plant. This is my first Orchid plant so I need help knowing if I am doing this correctly! Ive been watering the plant every 7-9 days. But I noticed that some of the leaves started turning yellow and falling off. I read that I need to replant the pot in a new pot and was wondering which is the best type of pot and what fertilizer to use. I also want to know if the location I have the plant is a good spot for sunlight.

The following attachments are:

• When I first got the plant
• The roots
• The location of the plant

[801229001]

First of all welcome!

and about your plant, i can see lots of rotten roots! most likely due to the soil it is in ( you need a good bark/sphagnum mix)

repot immediately into a clear orchid pot or a clay pot ( actually almost anything with lots of drainage holes works).

the light and location looks fine for now.

[Leafmite]

Hello and welcome!
Your orchid is really beautiful!
Phals grow on trees, the bare roots clinging to the branches/trunks, in warm/hot humid areas. The medium is meant to keep the air around the roots humid, not to keep them wet. So, you want to use a medium and pot that allow air to get to the roots.
In addition, Phals like bright, indirect light (you should see a faint shadow) and warmth (60'F min). When watering, you water until the roots turn green, let the water drain out and then wait until the roots turn silvery before watering again. I try not to get water on the leaves as it can risk 'crown rot' (when the center of the Phal just rots away).
Those are the basics. Phals aren't too difficult to grow and are very rewarding. Good luck!

[silken]

Welcome! I see lots of good roots but also what looks like some rotten roots. If that is in a glass container with no drainage, it will likely have root rot problems. Best to get it out of there and as mentioned, into a well draining plant pot of some sort. And in a more open mix such as bark and moss mixed. Let the plant get close to try then thoroughly water and drain well.

[tarev]

Cesca! Welcome to OB!

That is a lovely Phal! I do agree with the recommendations, repot to a more open media, then use a container with drainage holes and side holes for more air circulation at the root zone. I normally do not fertilize when my Phal is in bloom, but others do in a very weak weak dosage. Typically I water when media appears dry, it will really vary depending on your ambient conditions there. Some would use bamboo skewers to check if media is still wet, or compare weight of container before and after watering, so they get a feel if it needs to be watered.

Have fun!

[No-Pro-mwa]

Welcome to the forum. I don't have anything to add to what others have advised.

[WhiteRabbit]

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board