Orchid noob in need of advice!

[Monkey]

So, I've recently decided to try my hand at orchids. So far I'm doing alright. I have two phals that I got at lowe's from the clearance rack. The leaves are a bit dark on one so I'm wondering if my lighting will be adequate to bring it back to excellent health. I've read a few care guides online (one of which said that if the light is bright enough to easily read a book, you're fine), but I was wanting to know some personal opinions.

Also, would now be a good time to begin fertilizing? And does anyone have any recommendations on which fertilizer to use, there are plenty of options out there and I feel a bit overwhelmed, none of the fertilizers I've found locally have really instilled me with any confidence.

 

[Physalaemus]

Welcome to the fold!

Phals are pretty undemanding in general. Bright light is good, but use a curtain to filter any direct sun. Watch for the plant to start turning a little red near the base of the leaves if you're afraid you have too much light.

Now would be a fine time to fertilize. Unless something screwy happened, like the plant was kept in total dark before you bought it, new growth should be popping up. I use a 20-20-20 for them whether they're blooming or not, every other week in summer, once a month the rest of the year. I suppose you would get better results with a "blooming" fertilizer when the plant isn't actively producing new growth, but I've never worried much about them. Make sure your plant is getting enough water, especially when fertilizing. Water once a week (but keep an eye on the substrate) and mist daily in the morning.

I started with Phals and quickly found them a bit boring Blooms are less rewarding when you can pretty much ignore the plant and it will still bloom for months a year! Still, they're tough as nails and a great way to learn the basics. Enjoy!

 

[Monkey]

I just feel the substrate and water when it's ALMOST dry. Any brands of fertilizer recommended? I've heared orchids can't use nitrogen derived from urea? is that true?

 

[Physalaemus]

I use Grow-More brand right now, but I've used Maxsea in the past. The urea issue I've never gotten a straight answer on. I don't put too much energy into worrying about it.

Honestly, I've been thinking of going back to Maxsea once I use what's left of the grow-more. It was a little hard to find when i lived in Texas, but not so here in CA.

 

[Wire Man]

Mine are doing well with the Miracle Grow fertilizer. I might switch to Better-Gro soon, as it contains no urea and work well from what I've seen. You can also use water from low pH fish tanks. My 6 gallon planted tank has a pH close to 5 and my Phal put up a new leave on that water alone. Just enough nitrogen, potassium, iron, and magnesium.