Question
I have just bought my first orchids.  I have noticed that on one of them the leaves are splitting along their length.  One was split when I bought it but now another one has started to split.

I have only had it two weeks, it is on a north facing windowsill (the alternative is a south facing window),  I have watered it twice and intend to feed it once a week whilst it is flowering.

Is this signs of a major problem and is there anything I can do to prevent the other two leaves splitting?

Answer
Leslie, some phalaenopsis do have a tendency to do this.  I have found that using a solution called "protek" can strengthen the plant tissues to help guard against future splitting. Be careful to follow the label as too great a concentration can cause the leaves to be brittle.

Since you are a new grower, I recommend that you buy some standard orchid potting mix to repot your plants.  The most frequently asked question I asked to address are plants that are suffering from root rot because the potting mix has broken down to the extent that it holds too much water and doesn't permit enough aeration of the roots.  Unfortunately, recently purchased plants that have been in the potting mix too long, or in the wrong potting mix, go downhill rather quickly.  Phalaenopsis orchids need an annual repotting in a standard orchid potting mix.  When you pull the plant out of its pot, wash the roots and remove any that are mushy or stringy because they are dead.  Healthy roots are firm.

This time of year a south facing window may not have as much direct sunlight as later in the year so that may be best for now.  You may want to consider purchasing a plant light and placing it near the plant and set it on a timer.  Phalaenopsis do well under plant lights.