As a newbie myself I would suggest that if (and when) you do fertilize cut the amount stated on the package by at least half if not a quarter of the amount. So if it says to use a teaspoon per gallon then use 1/4 teaspoon per gallon. Two reasons. Orchids, in general, are not heavy feeders and during the short daylight hour winter months plants are not as actively growing as the are during spring/summer. So the 'need' for fertilizer isn't as great.
