Hello!
I just joined this forum. I got home today with a mini orchid (Phalaenopsis Hybrid) and some general plant liquid fertilizer. I have no idea how to make sure this new friend doesn't die. I am extremely beginner (I bought my first plants two weeks ago and fertilizer for the first time today).

I have done some research on this plant and everthing confuses me because everyone says different things about repotting, watering, sun exposure (I live in Berlin, Germany) and fertilising.

If someone here is experienced in the care of these plants, I would really love some help.

I apologise for the bad image. I hope it still helps to get an idea for the size of the plant.

Thank you so much!

- Wendy

There is some great information over on the Orchid Forum at the top of the page:
https://garden.org/forums/view...

But, to get you started, what is your orchid planted in? If its moss, you will have to be extremely cautious with the water. I have several Phalaenopsis planted in moss and they do great. But, don't water until you can't feel any moisture in the hole in the bottom of the pot (the pot will feel light). Then water by soaking the whole pot in a cup or something for a few minutes to allow the moss to rehydrate.

If your Phal. is in bark, look through the sides of the pot for moisture. If you don't see any, water. Otherwise, don't. Phalaenopsis do better on the drier side.

For your Phal. and all the other plants you have gotten, don't repot, don't fertilize. The pots they came in are fine and they don't need fertilizer in the winter. When you do fertilize (when you see new growth next spring), use the fertilizer at 1/4 to 1/2 the recommended strength (depending upon how often you fertilize). Fertilizer is highly overrated and plants just don't need as much as the fertilizer manufacturers would lead you to believe.

Phal. need bright light but no direct sun. I don't know what your other plants are so can't advise you on their light needs.

DaisyL has fantastic advice for you!

Please feel free to frequent the Orchid Forums if you seek information on how to grow them. We have a great sticky there entitled "Supermarket Orchids-Phalaenopsis". It is full of great information. If you scroll through the rest of the Orchid Forums, you will find numerous threads concerning Phalaenopsis and how to grow them.
There are several growers there growing Phalaenopsis and every body does it a little different.
Personally I grow them in bright light, no direct sun, I water them well and let them dry out a bit and then re-water. I fertilize once every three months at half strength.
Again, come join us!!

Thank you! That is some great advice. About the medium in the pot... It looks like neither moss nor bark. It looks like normal soil to me. and the bottom of the container is completely closed off, so that water is collected at the bottom and cannot be removed. I do not understand the container either.

I will take a look at the Orchid Forum

You need to get it out of that media as soon as possible. Orchids are epiphytes, needed air flow at their roots! Any soil like media will kill an epiphyte!
I use a mixture or aliflor, charcoal, sponge rock and either Orchiata or fir bark. I change the percentages of those 4 ingredients in my mix depending upon which type of orchid I am repotting.
For example, a fine rooted orchid like an Oncidium I use smaller sized particles because they hold moisture longer. For a Phalaenopsis I use pieces that are between 3/8" and 1/2". Then one must water according to the needs of the particular orchid.

I always use a pot with many drainage holes!!