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  #11  
Old 06-12-2020, 07:45 PM
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MKB ----- when nursery growers pack the sphagnum --- 100% sphagnum --- they generally pack it quite firmly (but not so firm as to crush and destroy roots etc). They pack it relatively firmly because firm-packed sphagnum 'tends' to spread water around in a way that cuts down on water clumping among loose portions - and loose portions might build up water in some regions, possibly significantly increasing chances of issues with roots (running out of oxygen etc).

This doesn't mean loose-packing won't work. Considerations with watering schedule and style will help a lot (for both firm-packed and loose-packed).
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  #12  
Old 06-12-2020, 08:29 PM
DrDawn DrDawn is offline
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Looks great! And I love that you matched the pot color to the flower color.
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  #13  
Old 06-13-2020, 08:57 AM
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Thanks everyone! When/how much do you think I should water it? Also should I give it fertilizer?
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  #14  
Old 06-13-2020, 09:26 AM
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Water it "Fully" whenever it dries out. By "Fully" I mean pour a bunch of water through it until a bunch of water flows out the bottom of the pot. (Maybe more than your saucer will catch, so maybe do it over a sink). The goal with watering is to bring fresh air down to the roots, so you need more water than you think to really flush it well.

As for "whenever it dries out", I usually tell that by lifting my pot. I can tell when it gets lighter that the water is gone. You can also stick a finger in it, or a bamboo skewer, to see how moist it is under the surface. The goal for Phals is that they shouldn't ever be completely bone dry. (Although I def get to that stage in the winter occasionally, and just water a ton as soon as I notice it, so don't panic if it happens sometimes). I started out with the "touch" method, as I got more experienced I moved to the "lift the pot" method. (Also I have more orchids now so lifting the pot is quicker.)

Also, since you have the nice clear pot, you can sometimes see towards the bottom if there is still condensation down there or not. If I see condensation, then I know it has water.

---------- Post added at 09:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:22 AM ----------

PS
Fertilizer, OMG, such a detailed topic! Basically, orchids don't really NEED fertilizer, they get most of what they need from the air and normal water. Think of fertilizer as "vitamins", not "food". Generally you should fertilize weakly (1/2 to 1/4 of whatever is recommended on the fertilizer jar) and do it maybe every couple of weeks? The going phrase is "weakly, weekly", but I know many growers who do it more like every other week. As you get more advanced, some types of orchids have seasonality to their fertilizer schedule, but for Phals, don't worry about that. Also, don't worry about "blooming" vs "regular" fertilizer, it doesn't really matter, just use regular all the time and you'll be fine!
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  #15  
Old 06-13-2020, 10:26 AM
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MKB ----- DD provided some nice recommendations with watering.

Also consider some details about watering from these links that could be useful or helpful to you.

Click Here and Click Here and Click Here and Click Here and Click Here
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  #16  
Old 06-14-2020, 11:27 AM
MomKB MomKB is offline
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Thanks for all the info! I did see some condensation in the pot, so I'll try checking for that again in a little while.
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  #17  
Old 07-18-2020, 07:15 PM
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I am excited because it looks like my phal is growing a new leaf. I had to move it up into my bathroom window (south facing) and put the pot inside another one, because it kept falling over. It's top heavy in that little pot. I hope the roots are healthy.
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  #18  
Old 07-18-2020, 08:00 PM
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That is a great sign. Actually, the best sign. Just keep doing what you're doing and all will be great.
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Old 07-18-2020, 09:24 PM
DrDawn DrDawn is offline
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It looks great! And even though that window is south-facing, since the plant is a bit away from the window it should be fine. The new leaf is a great sign! Congrats!
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  #20  
Old 07-19-2020, 02:12 PM
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Thanks!!
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