Best potting medium and fertilizer

[japanbaby_08]

I currently have sphag moss but it looks old and I just got the plant two weeks ago. It is currently in bloom and 5 buds have opened in this time period so I do not plan on repotting yet since it is still doing fine, but when these flowers drop I want to refresh the potting medium since it looks old, and I want to take a look at the roots and make sure they are doing good since I just got it.

I stay at home all day so I can use whatever medium works best regardless of frequency of watering schedules and such. Currently, my orchid is in a clearish plastic pot and I have it in a small dish, which is sitting in a bigger dish with water to bring up the humidity. I live in Japan and the temperatures right now range from 60 to 80 degrees outside, but inside I keep it in the high 60s and low 70s. The humidity outside ranges from 40 to 80 percent but when I have the air conditioning on I put it in the humidity tray since air conditioning dries out air. As for light, It is a little back from window with indirect light and it has a lamp over it for some more increased lighting.

Not sure if it's location makes a difference in medium or not, but since I live in Japan I would like to order it online if possible. Also, what is a good fertilizer to order? My orchid is a phal by the way

Thanks in advance to everyone who answers! I really want to keep this orchid alive since it is so pretty!!!

[orchids4me]

Hello and welcome to the forum
The best medium for anyone starting out with phals is a great example is a medium bark mix its airy enough to dry in the root ball area and great if are a heavy handed waterer. Denser mixes require great care when it comes to watering. Using a wooden skewer methood also helps when learning how fast with temps the media dries. A clear pot is also a good way to see what's going on. If you can't find good medium bark you can also use a fine mix but need to watch how damp it is before watering again. A good balance NPK fertilizer for orchids is sufficient. When temps cool like winter just keep in mind potting media also dries slower so again watch your watering regimine. Warmer temps. Your regimine will be more frequent. Phals like to be slightly moist never soggy. Watering by letting the water flush through the pot and media. Always water in the mornings so any dampness in nooks of leaves dries out by night fall and keep water out of the crown of the plant. If your temps aren't warm enough and sufficient breeze or air flow it won't dry out by night causing crown rot. Temps and air flow a re big keys to ensuring no crown rot. If water is in the crown.
I can't link on my cell phone but maybe a member can link the AOS culture sheet for phalaenopsis for you here.
Good luck
Emmaye

[Greybeard]

Your in the right place for any help you need concerning your Orchids If your Orchid is a Phalaenopsis of some type, you shouldn't have a problem repotting while it's in bloom. I have done mine and it hasn't affected the blooms and it might be a good idea to get a good look at the roots Good luck and