Newbie White Phalaenopsis ?

[primerate]

I just received an orchid as a gift and I believe it is a white phalaenopsis? Can someone confirm that and give me some general care and placement instructions? We live in SW Florida and I have placed it on our lanai which faces east. It is about 26 inches high and has 5 blooms currently. Thanks for the help!!

[kmarch]

It is indeed a Phalaenopsis. The American Orchid Society has a good culture sheet on Phals as does this forum in the orchid care section.

[jay]

Hi and welcome to the forum! Glad to have you here.

That is a very nice looking phal you have there.

[patlee]

Hi Primerate, Welcome to the forum We have lots of people here who grow phals and we'll certainly do all we can to make sure your new baby is happy. If you have any questions, just ask away... This must be the season for questions about white phals, because my mother called last night(also from Fla) with questions about a white phal she is watching for a friend. Here's to both of you--Great growing

[NancyG]

Welcome Primerate.

Sounds like you found the perfect spot for your new phal. Try the skewer for watering. There is a thread you can search for here on the forum.

NancyG

[tizzycat]

Here is the thread for the skewer method - very, very useful. Welcome to the forum.

Skewer use for watering of orchids

[Tobi]

Hi Primerate and welcome to the forum. Lovely Phal. you have there!!

[jerrymeola]

I would bring the Phal indoors. Here in SW Florida the rains, that have started, tend to produce black mildew spots on white flowers. I have had the flowers destroyed in a matter of days when kept outdoors. It seems to be a problem exclusive to white flowers and not just Phals. My white dens are worthless after one or two rains, and it is raining hard all week.

You can grow the plant well outdoors in total shade. Keep it near the house on the lanai when not in bloom.

[primerate]

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome and all of the help. I fear this orchid thing can become addictive!

[Vivienne]

Originally Posted by primerate

I fear this orchid thing can become addictive!

Boy is that an understatement!!! LOL
Orchids are highly addictive... and OrchidGeeks are the ultimate in enablers!

[fred]

Hi primerate
welcome to the forum
could you please go into your UserCP at the top left of the page and update your Profile with your Location this will help us to understand your growing conditions as we have members from all over the world with different growing conditions also that will help us with giving you the right advice