Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I have a question about a plant called a phalaenopsis orchid, my daughter was givin this plant, and she is not much of a plant person so she gave it to me, it has very pretty flowrs on it. I have done some reading on ths plant because I have never had one of these, and they say not to water much and give it lots of light. Can you tell me if I put it by a window faceing the east side will that be ok? it will get the afternoon sun, and can I repot it into a different pot, the one it came in is do ugley ha ha, and if so what kind of soil? the information I got don't tell me much. bascilly what do I do with this plant? and is it easy to care for? Thank you for your help.
Kristy :)

ANSWER: Kristy
Orchids are the most popular and top selling plants throughout the world. This is because they are not real hard to take care of and their flowers are beautiful and last for 3-4 months.

Many varieties exist.
Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the best and easiest for inhouse use. They like bright lite(a bright room) but not direct sunlight.

Your statement "Can you tell me if I put it by a window facing the east side will that be ok? it will get the afternoon sun." does not make sense. If a window is on the East side it will get morning sun (Sun comes up in the East-Sets in the west).???Depending on where you live morning light is much better for most houseplants especially orchids.

They like high humidity, but can develop fungal problems if the foliage is kept too wet. They can rot out if watered too frequently.

Try watering this way...I water most of my plants this way...Water by weight...Check how much the plant weighs when thoroughly watered VS its' weight when it is ready to be watered again. Sometimes it helps to put a saucer under the pot and let the plant sit in water for 10-15 minutes (I do not do this for orchids because they rot easily). Pick the pot up (or lean it to one side) and feel how heavy it is after watering it thoroughly. Don't water it again until it feels considerably lighter and the top of the soil is light in color. Depending on plant types, sunlight exposure and pot size plants will need water at many different rates (1-2 times a day to once a month or more)...
Do repot it into a nicer looking container. Orchids grow in trees or crevices in rocks...Just take it out of the pot and put it into a pot the same size and shape... Go to your local garden center and buy an orchid mix if necessary. Quiz them on orchid care while there...
Hope this helps...Let me know what you think...
Rick in southern NJ


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What I ment by the window is wrong, I ment by putting it by a west window will that be ok? It will get the afternoon sun, but it is a bowed window.
Sorry for the mix up
Thank you
Kristy :)

ANSWER: Kristy,
No problem...Orchids like bright light- not direct sunlite...So a western exposure is OK as long as the orchid isn't getting direct sunlite...Morning sun is better...Plants can take the morning sun directly on them usually without any adverse effects(They stay cooler and don't heat up)...If after a few months you find it isn't doing well near the bowed window you can always move it towards a morning lite exposure...Good luck with your orchid...
If you need anymore advice just ask...
Rick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I was also wounding can you repot it while it is still blooming? Like I said before it can in a ugly pot, and I would like to put it into a nicer one.
Thank you
Kristy

Answer
Do repot it into a nicer looking container. Just take it out of the pot and put it into a pot the same size and shape...It should not effect the flowers as long as you do not change the size or shape of the pot...Measure the pot and draw the shape of the pot before you go shopping for a new pot...