Oh, Mike what a timely post.

I can't tell you how frustrated I get from people who bring home a Phal from a big box store and then post online why their orchid is wilted, has no roots. They are using ice cubes, putting them in dark rooms, bathrooms in bowls of water!

That's the latest! Forget potting mix, just stick them in a bowl of water. Apparently there are videos promoting growing orchids in water.

Years ago we had a contributor by the name of Howard. He could annoy everyone because he promoted light as the most important element to growing orchids. People argued over and over with him. No matter what the problem, Howard would tell people their orchids did not have enough light.

Well, he was absolutely correct. I wish Howard would come back. It took me a long time to understand what he was saying. Light is truly the magic. Move your plants into the strongest light, even Phals. Do it gradually to give them time to adjust.

Photosynthesis:

"The process by which green plants and certain other organisms transform light energy into chemical energy. During photosynthesis in green plants, light energy is captured and used to convert water, carbon dioxide, and minerals into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds."

Everything is secondary. Ice cubes, banana water, fertilizer, potting mix.

With enough light, your plants will be strong. Orchids evolved to grow without dirt, potting mix, fertilizer. They were tree huggers. Their roots bare, watered only by rain. Getting their strength from the sun. Howard would say, 'you could grow an orchid in a shoe if you give it enough light.'

We called it 'Howards Light.'

Jane

Jane, that is such a cool story, so deep))

I agree with 'Howards light' 100%))

I have found that no matter what my orchids go through and when they look their worst, if I find a full bright spot for them, they react greatly even against all odds! Make a lot of sense.

I have therefore added newer and brighter L.E.D lights and my orchids are just taking off, flowering and producing like crazy.

I think many fail to realize that just a south facing window way up here in New England is just not enough light for most types of orchids if they want them to perform to their best.

Even in south facing windows I have lights over head.

Many think that Phals don't like direct sunlight, but fail to realize that in winter they can or need that type of light..

Do you treat any of your orchids with Physan or any other product to prevent disease?

I use Physan once a month and what a difference,

Another thing many don't realize is that when they use a mix that dries out rapidly which most orchids like, they MUST water frequently. I have to water every day in the am on some and every other day in winter.

I have discovered that if my fragrant phals stay wet too long, they rot so easily. And if left for the roots to stay dry too long, dry up and die easily. These are tough plants to keep alive.

My husband got me a beautiful orchid 3 years ago.  I've spent time and energy and money on it. I love it 
However, when he asked me if I wanted another I said 'no' ὠ2.  We have two toddlers and this thing takes work!!  I jokingly call it my third child!!

You are a smart woman!!

Jane

I love this post and couldn't agree more. I'd also add the best advice I ever got, (family member from a tropical country that grew cattleyas for over 60 years), don't try to control them. Let them grow as they will. If it's going to be huge, let it. If it likes having roots everywhere, figure out where it can grow without damaging anything. If it doesn't like a location, move it. They're finicky and temperamental "little" plants (I put little in quotes because it's a relative term). And some don't like extremely bright light, if they're a variety that grows under other plants they may like some bright but more filtered and the direct light of an LED might be too much. Learned that lesson with my formerly super happy Zygo when I added some LED grow lights this last season. It resented me until I moved it to a shelf where the light is more indirect and it's happy again. So it takes a lot of paying attention to each plant. They're like toddlers, only instead of throwing tantrums they wilt.

I'd also add that, especially if you're growing indoors, figure out how big your plant can get in ideal conditions. Some orchids don't stay little and cute. I, personally, am in the situation with two of mine where I may have to consider giving them up at some point because I just don't have the space if they get much bigger. In my case I only bought one of them. (The zygo, it was at a trader joes labelled with "exotic orchid" and all the wrong care instructions, potted in potting soil and packing peanuts. It was tiny and blooming despite looking very sick and I took pity on it. Jungle monster now owns the corner of my living room).

Great post Mike. one thing I would add is about air movement. When novice growers have asked my advice I fibd many of them do not realize how important that is. Not only necessary for good growth but so important for control of fungi and other nasties. For example my small GH (10x16) has 3 super duper strong fans running 24/7 and you can see leaves and flower spikes moving in the breeze everywhere.

Jane I remember Howard and agreed with him about the light. I remember when I started collecting phals and researched their needs (folks…always, always do the research) and the amount of light recommended. My 30+ phals actually get twice that and are quite healthy and happy and flowering.