Hi new here and need help!

[tamjones777]

Hi,
I got a beautiful orchid for Valentines day and I think it is a phal. It has two stalks with about eight blossoms each. It has six leaves. It came in a large vase and in an extremely small pot in bark peices. I lost is food. I haven't kept it in light and I have only been moisting the pot and keeping the vase (which is full of bark too) full with water. Some of the first blossoms look like they are dying and it seems to be getting worse. I haven't had it in direct light. What am I doing wrong. Any suggestions would help, thank you all!

[mayres]

Phals should be kept in bright INDIRECT light - they can tolerate very little direct rays of the sun on their leaves without burning - if the leaves get very warm then they are in too much sun. But they do need good light to continue to live and grow. In general they should be potted in smaller rather than larger pots - this helps dry their roots adequately to prevent root rot, which is the number one newbie problem (overwatering). When you do water you want to water with a LOT of water - let it pour out the bottom in the sink for a good 5-10 seconds or so - even longer will not hurt. Only the pot and media need to be watered. Whatever it is placed in for show is only for show - whether this be a vase or ceramic pot or whatever. As far as fertilizer goes, many inexpensive orchid fertilizers are available in your local garden centers - easiest to remember is apply every time mixed at 1/4 to 1/2 strength - after watering with plain water. It is not uncommon to soak the whole pot with bark chips during the watering process for a short period of time (though not usually necessary) - especially if it has gotten excessively dry - to rehydrate the bark. The frequency of watering will depend upon your individual conditions - depending on time of year and your area of the world it can be dramatically different - every day to every couple weeks. Most common with bark in a temperate climate this time of year is roughly weekly. If uncertain - wait 2-3 days. Do a search on the skewer method noted in this forum if you want more info on determining when to water. Enjoy! mike

[pikevi]

Hi tamjones777,

Welcome to the forum.

[tamjones777]

Wow!
Thank you Mike for all of the tips! My phal thanks you too. So I should water about once a week, or once a month?

Tamara

Originally Posted by mayres

Phals should be kept in bright INDIRECT light - they can tolerate very little direct rays of the sun on their leaves without burning - if the leaves get very warm then they are in too much sun. But they do need good light to continue to live and grow. In general they should be potted in smaller rather than larger pots - this helps dry their roots adequately to prevent root rot, which is the number one newbie problem (overwatering). When you do water you want to water with a LOT of water - let it pour out the bottom in the sink for a good 5-10 seconds or so - even longer will not hurt. Only the pot and media need to be watered. Whatever it is placed in for show is only for show - whether this be a vase or ceramic pot or whatever. As far as fertilizer goes, many inexpensive orchid fertilizers are available in your local garden centers - easiest to remember is apply every time mixed at 1/4 to 1/2 strength - after watering with plain water. It is not uncommon to soak the whole pot with bark chips during the watering process for a short period of time (though not usually necessary) - especially if it has gotten excessively dry - to rehydrate the bark. The frequency of watering will depend upon your individual conditions - depending on time of year and your area of the world it can be dramatically different - every day to every couple weeks. Most common with bark in a temperate climate this time of year is roughly weekly. If uncertain - wait 2-3 days. Do a search on the skewer method noted in this forum if you want more info on determining when to water. Enjoy! mike

[mayres]

Hi again! As noted earlier, frequency of watering will depend on many things - overwatering is the first thing you want to avoid. You might also update your profile so we can see what area of the world you live in - this will dramatically affect your care issues - phals in NY won't need the same care as someone growing them outdoors in Puerto Rico. As a VERY general rule, it would not be uncommon to water a young phal planted in bark approximately weekly in a temperate climate like where I live (Oregon). In the winter I have gone two weeks when it was very wet and cool. To tell when to water, get yourself a package of bamboo skewers (only about 99 cents at the grocery store). Take one out and break it the length of your pot height plus an inch or so and place it into your media. Whenever you think it might be time to water, remove the skewer and see if it is dry or slightly damp - you can tell by both color and touch on the back of your hand or your cheek. If you feel dampness wait a few days and try again. After you have done this for awhile you will come to know without it when it is time to water. Enjoy! mike