Can I keep it in my office?

[jesslevy84]

I was just given my first phalaenopsis orchid last week as a gift. It is beautiful and honestly I'm terrified! I've heard that orchids are difficult to grow. I've also heard they're easy to grow. Every website I visit seems to give different advice. The reason I'm terrified is that I've killed almost every plant I've ever owned. There are a few cactus plants struggling to survive on my back porch but nothing else has been able to overcome my black thumb. You all seem to love orchids so I'd really appreciate your help.

If possible, I want to keep my phal in my office because it will be easier for me to focus on giving it proper care than if I take it home. Also, I think my cat would thoroughly enjoy smacking it around. Yikes! My office is a pretty consisent 68 degrees F, but has no windows. There are flourescent lights in the ceiling and also about 2 feet above one side of my desk. Do you think the orchid would do well in this environment? I've included some photos but they were taken with my cell phone so may not be the best quality.

From the various orchid care websites I've recently visited, I know I should water my phal about once a week taking care not to wet the leaves and use orchid fertilizer sparingly once a month. It is currently potted in what appears to be moist soil with mossy wood bark on top. I really don't want to be reponsible for the death of this gorgeous orchid. Please help Thanks.

[Tobi]

Hi and welcome to the forum Jess. We have a few members that grow orchids in their
office, especially Phals, that I'm sure can help you. Nice looking Phal you have there!

[norris]

Hi Jesslevy84, and welcome If it were my orchid, I would bring it home for two reasons. You said that there are no windows, so unless you replaced the flourescent lights in the fixture that is two feet above your desk with grow lights, and lowered it a bit, you're really not giving your plant enough light. Also, you mentioned that the office stays at 68 degrees, Phals like the temp. to drop to the mid 50's at night in the fall to form a spike.

[PhalPal]

Hi jessdlevy84 and Welcome to the forum! Don't be scared; there is lots of information of this forum to help you through this adventure!

There is another similiar thread I will try to find for you and attach the link. (below) You really don't have enough light in your office for your Phal to thrive. If you want to keep it in your office to enjoy the blooms it will be fine for a while. If your want new growth and more flowers next season, you don't have the light or temp variation to initiate spiking.

Orchids grown under flourescnet lighting are placed inches from the bulbs. The amount of light drops off exponentially with each inch of distance from the light source.

I have six cats and they love to sniff my flowers, hang out in the orchid room with me and sleep near the lights because it's warm. They ignore the plants in general except for when I had a few planted in bark; they would scoop out the bark chunks and use them like hockey pucks! Other growers have cats who will eat orchids like candy. Don't assume your cat will destroy it upon arrival!

A few basic links to help you as a new orchid parent: AOS | Home Good culture sheets
Watering: http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/orc...f-orchids.html The tried and true 'skewer method'
Another 'office growing' link: New Phalaenopsis help