Moth Orchid Help???

Need Help With Phal(Moth Orchid)!?


I just got a new Phal.(Moth Orchid) last weekend Sat 21st. I am very new to this type of plant never owned one before.I am totally lost on how to take care of it.I think it has gotten bud blast from me already as 3 flowers have already shriveled up and fell off.I haven't fully watered yet because the sphagnum moss was nice and moist still when I bought it.I haven't gave it fertilizer either yet.I just been spraying flowers and leaves in morning and letting the indirect sunlight dry it till nightfall, then I check it to make sure it is completely dry before bed. I keep orchid in my room with eastern exposure, I also have a tray of gravel with water under pot for humidity. I don't know what I am doing wrong can someone please help ME! I just don't want this beautiful plant to die as I did pay a pretty hefty price for this plant! Thank you all your advice is very much appreciated!

Moth Orchid Help???
Your plant may have bud-blasted simply from the changes from where it came from, to the conditions in your home. Also, if it was shipped, that could account for blasting. I am sure you could look bud-blasting up, online, or inquire from a grower. It seems like you are doing the right things. I am not all that knowledgable about Phals, but I thought they potted them in orchid bark mix, like the rest of the orchids. This is another thing you might check with a grower about. I suppose the sphagnum is O.K., but it is easy to get either too wet, or too dry. Additonally, if the moss has been wet, it does not need any additional water, even spraying, until it begins to dry out. I wouldn't say that you are doing anything wrong, just because the buds blasted, but I would check and see if perhaps you should repot it in a bark mix made for Phals, to make it easier for you to care for. By the way, there are a lot of orchid growers where you can get plants for rather reasonable prices. Check "Orchid Mall" online, and you will find a list of tons of growers.
Reply:First, take a deep breath and say I WILL NOT PANICK!!!


OK, now? The myth about orchids is that they are difficult to grow. I live in Boston and travel frequently for weeks at a time. In the winter my collection gets pretty ratty looking. I usually give them a good soaking in the shower every few weeks or so and then give them a spray occasionally. You shouldn't over water them, you'll kill them with kindness.


As for light, my orchids hang in a large southeast window and get a good dose of direct morning sun. This weekend, they are going outside for the season to hang under their old friend, the japanese maple (I think they're planning a celebration LOL). Anyway, as the poster above said, get a clay pot, hang it somewhere nice and sunny, and don't over water them (they'll get root fungus from all that moisture)


Good Luck





Yes, get a clay pot, with holes all around if possible.
Reply:First, I hope the Orchid pot is clay because if it's plastic you need to change it for clay. Orchids are tricky, they need water but need to dry well in between. Your tray with gravel is a good one, Orchid need good air circulation. Mix some fertilizer in your spray bottle and you should be fine. Don't worry it might take a whole year before the orchid bloom again.

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