hello

[yavuzaltay]

Hello to everybody,
We (me and my wife)have been buying orchids for the last 10 years but with what we are told to do, we never succeeded to keep our plants alive more than three months.
Now, having joined this platform, I am hoping to keep my new orchids alive forever.
Do you think I have the chance?

[jerrymeola]

I killed orchids for many years after moving to Florida (I limited myself to one a year) Then I started getting success and wondered how I ever lost any since it is so easy.

The right plant for the right conditions grows easily. Placing a Phalaenopsis in the sun is death. Not watering enough is death, while roots in overly wet soggy conditions is also death.

Good potting medium (change bark every other year) and regular watering with the right light levels and the rewards will be great.

Welcome to the forum and ask lots of questions until you get it right.

[richeferguson]

I just received my first orchid today! Its a Phalaenopsis. So far, you answered the first questions I had, thank you for keeping it simple.

My husband bought the orchid for me and I want to be sure I don't hurt it by doing something stupid, like over-watering. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks, Judy Ft. Myers, Fl,winter and Mich the rest of the year. Do Orchids travel?

[jerrymeola]

Well Judy since I also live in Fort Myers you get get personal adice often. I am at the Fort Myers farmers market under the route 41 bridge at Centenial park every Thursday 7AM to 2PM. I would be happy to talk to you as much as you need.

The Phal will travel well. Try to keep it from big temperature changes in route. If you are driving that means not to leave it in the car with widows closed to eat. Think of it like a child or dog.

Snow birds often buy cattleyas and leave them out in the rain all summer and have them in bloom when they return, unfortunately this does not work with phals.

Phals in pots are low light level plants and direct sun will kill it. Grow it indoors or total shade like a covered lanai or poorch.