Hola! Beginner here...

[harveykeitel]

I am so happy to find all of you! I am looking forward to receiving advice from you all. =)

I received a phal orchid for Christmas. I am trying to learn all I can and there is so much information to take in. She was looking great until about two days ago when I noticed one flower started to dry out. This happened about 2 days after one flower bloomed. I waited to water because it was still too soon in the week. I finally watered Monday morning. It is now Wednesday evening and the flower has only become more wilted. There is also a brown spot forming on one of the leaves that has grown larger since yesterday. It's sort of soft. The other three flowers are in good condition. I have not given it any food because I read once a month is a best practice for feeding. Should I feed it next week when I water again? There are a lot of factors. I am not sure what to do...

[articuno75]

Hi Harveykeitel and welcome to the forum!!! Here you will find lots of information and friendly people to help you out

First if you could be so kind and go into your profile and let us know your location. This will let other members be able to help you by knowing your grow zone and climate

The loss of blooms could be normal. The plant is probably still adjusting to your enviroment. As for the brown spot, Pictures are a plus for this matter. Can you post a picture?

[mayres]

Welcome - you might want to check out both the beginner and intermediate culture sheets on the american orchid society website and see if this gives you some good background information for getting started - and it might also promote some more questions about your situation - American Orchid Society - Orchids
Over watering is probably the #1 way that phals are mis-tended by newbies. The frequency of when to water depends on a number of factors like media type, time of year, where you grow your plants (indoors, outside, etc.) and where in the world you live (which is why Jenny kindly asked where you live and could you please update your profile). Some of my phals are only watered once every 2-3 weeks (and occastionally even a month!) this time of year - in my media type and growing conditions. Be certain to NOT get water in the crown of the plant late in the day - for a newbie I'd probably suggest never would be a good place to start. It is very important that moisture not be in the crown as evening and lower temps come into play - crown rot will often result. Also as Jenny has noted - pics always help!

[harveykeitel]

Thanks alot! I updated my info so hopefully it generated. I can't post pics at the moment. camera is shot. but as soon as i can i will. i know this is more helpful to all including myself. i'll check out the website recommended more in depth. thanks again and goodnight. =)

[Bird Song Farm]

Welcome harveykeitel, I see the good folks here are jumping in and helping you. I just wanted to add my welcome.
Phals are my favorite orchid, so hope you can post a pic of that worrisome brown spot on the leaf soon.
You've found a great group of people.
Al

[patticake]

Welcome! This is the place for help! Nice folks also! good luck with your phal. I'm pretty new at this myself. I've read a lot about fertilizing "weekly-weakly". (applying quarter strength) That's kind of what I'm doing. Phals like to be kept a little on the damp side, but be careful not to over water! I hope you like your new computer home!

[rodbender]

Hi and welcome. If your looking for answers to your questions you have come to the right place, there are many here with them so dont be afraid to ask.

[Tobi]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I see you're from San Antonio. I went to school and was
stationed at Ft. Sam Houston a long time ago. Would love to go back and see all the
changes. Enjoy your stay. Great people here.

[rmt135]

Welcome Harveykeitel. You will learn a lot by asking & reading past threads. Never a dull moment in this forum. You will enjoy it.

[harveykeitel]

Thanks again for the warm welcome everyone...I am feeling less discouraged today and definitely empowered to ask lots of questions. Talk with you all later.

Are you still in S.A. Tobi?! It's freezing here!!!

Patticake...I also read "weekly weakly" about fertilizing. I am confused a bit about the different ratios. It is recommended to water before feeding. However, I know that over watering is bad! Any suggestions?

I will upload a pic soon so you can see the scary brown spot.

[Tobi]

Originally Posted by harveykeitel

Are you still in S.A. Tobi?! It's freezing here!!!

Nope. I've been living in Rochester N.Y. for many years since then.

[kmarch]

People/growers/nurseries/fertilizer manufacturers/etc/etc have a tendency to figure out what works best for themselves then talk as if that is the undisputed best way to fertilize.

So what's best? Once a month? Weakly weekly? Never?

What is best is whatever produces the best response in your plants. Try once a month for 6 months to a year then try weakly weekly for 6 months to a year then compare the results. Maybe try not fertilizing at all for a year.

All this to say don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your plants in your conditions.

[rmt135]

I agree with Kmarch.

One nursery told me, "Water first, and then spray on the leaves once a week." Another nursery said, "Mix a pinch of this fertilizer with 01 litre of water. Spray daily."
Then there is another, "No need all these spray stuff. Just place this goat dung & the plant will get fertilized when you water them." -- Ooohhh!! The smell.

Different types, frequency, brand...... What is best? You experiment (You may loose a few though) but the end result, you will know what is good for you orchid in your environment, climate, humidity.....

Ever wonder how these orchids survive in the wild without these fertilizers.

[prisana]

Welcome, glad to have you join us. It doesn't take long for you to know what works best for you and your orchids . You just have to pay attention to the little details until you know what's going on and what works best then it's pretty much the back of you hand from there.