Help with a Phalaenopsis seedling

[ElfOwlLover]

I was at an orchid show this weekend and felt that because I have been growing the typical phalaenopsis complex hybrids sucessfully for a couople years, I could probably care of one of the easier species phals. I didn't see any pure species phals that caught my eye so I got the next best thing, a phalanopsis tetraspis c1 x phalaenopsis bastianii seedling.

The vendor said that this cross wouldn't need care any different then my other phals, was he right?

And besides not drying it out too much, and keeping it warm, are there any other precautions I should take because it is so small? It is currently potted in bark with a bit of sphagnum mixed in.

Any input would be great, as it looks quite healthy and I wouldn't want to kill it due to a stupid mistake.

[fishmom]

The vendor was correct. Warmth, humidity, and regular watering will help your baby grow up as quickly as possible. It sounds like a good mix. Do you know how long the seedling has been in its present pot? How is the condition of the mix?

[ElfOwlLover]

I actually just recently repotted it a couple days ago into the bark and sphagnum mix as it was potted in pure sphagnum, which I am certain would have led to me rotting the roots.

[Ray]

Be aware that tetraspis is one of those species that likes it really hot, so your hybrid (I can't wait to see its blooms, by the way) might like a higher minimum temperature than your orthers will tolerate.

[ElfOwlLover]

So around how low of a temperature can this little guy stand without dying? It currently is around 20 degrees the whole day in his area, maybe a a tiny bit cooler at night. My other phals easily stand temps around 18 if not lower at night, but they are in another room.

And how dry could I let him go without killing him? Would letting him go dry for a day or two have a really bad effect on him? I just really don't want to rot his roots by keeping him too moist.

I also can't wait for the blooms, I love the flowers of both the parents so this seedlings flowers should be gorgeous as well! I bought it just as he is putting out three new roots, so hopefully it will grow a lot this summer.

[estación seca]

Tetraspis would regard 20 degrees constantly as a chilly day. Happy for them would be 25 and higher. Consider getting a seedling heat mat.

[ElfOwlLover]

Where would I get such a seed mat? And how much would it cost?

[estación seca]

Agriculture supply shops? Hydroponics shops? Online or local.

[ElfOwlLover]

Any specific brands/models I should look for? Or would a generic one be fine?

I don't really want to buy a very expensive one as I believe this little one is my only plant that would require it, but I also don't want to buy a cheap one that won't work properly or worse, kill my plant by overheating it.

As for watering, I check with a toothpick. Should I water when the toothpick feels cool/slightly moist but not wet or when it is completely dry?

[Dollythehun]

Check Amazon or seed catalogs. Also state your temps in c or f. You might learn to judge water by the weight of the pot. Water, lift the pot, notice the weight. Water when then pot feels light.