Wrapper removal

[newby]

I just received my first orchid for Mother's Day(Phalaenopis). It come in a ceramic dish, but with it's roots and bedding material encased in a plastic wrapping. My question is: should I remove the wrapper, and will it disturb the roots? Need an answer ASAP....Thanks...Newby

[newby]

Should I remove the plastic wrapping that covers the roots and bedding material on my new Phalaenopis..It is in a ceramic dish.Thank you,.. Newby

[jerrymeola]

definitely remove the wrapper. The plant needs good drainage and needs air flow over the roots to grow properly.

I can not quite picture what you mean by wrapped in plastic. I have never seen them sold quirte as you describe. It should have a plastic pot inside that wrapper. Then the plastic is only a means of shipping.

Phals do not like sun when potted. They grow best in low light indoors or total shade outdoors. They like to be slightly moist but not wet. They flower once a year and flowering is triggered by a 20 degree drop in temperatures at night. A drop from daytime 70 to 50 at night is perfect. If you grow it in indoors move it to somewhere that will allow a temperature drop for about a month this fall winter.