Hi Cinta, it took me awhile too, to understand what Phals needed. But eventually I understood it, have killed some along the way. Like Ken, I am not a fan of sphagnum moss. But it is a preference among orchid growers which media they like to use...I use bark mix, or in some Phals I have been experimenting with hygrolon baggies and it is working too. Some of my orchid friends in another forum just use clay rocks or lava rock, some have them mounted. But overall the discipline of watering is in place.
Most orchids have a rest time, so after blooming, they will rest, not dormant, because it is just gathering energy again to grow new roots and leaves, or simultaneously as the last of the blooms begin to fade. I always have to adjust watering frequency too, depending on the season. But in any case, I make sure I give them a good run with our ceiling fan, it likes lots of air movement. Sometimes people forget that too, keeping them in very tight containers, choking and drowning in very wet sphagnum moss, and no air circulation at all, so the plant dwindles later on.
In some ways, growing some orchids is similar to how I handle some of my succulents, where in both cases, important not to overwater, give proper drainage, good air circulation and depending on the variety, bright light, no freezing temps, orchids do not need heavy fertilizers, most of my succulents do not even need fertilizers to thrive.
Phals are low light orchids, so it is a favorite to grow indoors, plus I like that it is in bloom during cold season that lasts for about 3 to 6 months, just as some plants are beginning to sleep, or still waiting for a warm-up to wake up.
But these are Phals..I have also other orchids like those from the Oncidium alliance which are water hogs, so another adjustment in watering frequency. Just have to know which type you have.
