How to care for a Phalaenopsis orchid

Is the "ice cube" watering method really appropriate?

Hi, guys!

I first want to acknowledge the horrific wildfires our friends in California are facing this week, though there are no sufficient words to express how I feel about the complete destruction of homes, property, natural spaces, entire neighborhoods, livelihoods — and lives. If you live in that corner of the world, I hope you and your loved ones are safe.

It’s been tremendously windy here on Long Island this week, with gusts up to 100 mph compounding the frigid 20- and 30-degree temps. Aside from necessary appointments and having to walk home from dropping my car off for service (which was brutal), I barely left the house. There were days I didn’t even venture to the mailbox 10 feet outside the front door.

I don’t remember ever experiencing such a stretch of non-hurricane-related severe wind. The raucous thunder and lightning storm we had on New Year’s Eve was similarly unusual, as electrical storms are typically summer events here.

The wind blew my power out briefly Thursday night, but I’m fortunate to have a natural-gas-powered, whole-house generator, which sprung into action immediately. I have my late husband, John, to thank for that, as he purchased and arranged for its installation just before he passed so that I wouldn’t have to drag out and connect the portable one out of the garage during blackouts.

Now that climate change is accelerating, we should all be prepared for more unprecedented weather, and that includes having flashlights, lanterns and batteries on hand, as well as a hand-crank radio, a case of bottled water (rotate it with a new one as you use it) and a phone charger that you can use in your car when the power goes out.

🤔 This week, Miss Manners (the syndicated etiquette-advice columnist) wrote about a gardener who becomes frustrated when passersby stop to talk to her while she’s working in her front yard. Does that ever happen to you? Do you get annoyed or enjoy the interruptions?

📢 It’s time for our quarterly Virtual Founders Event!

Last quarter, Founding members joined me on Zoom for a program about saving money in the garden. This quarter, I’ll be hosting a 30-minute Ask Me Anything live chat session next Sunday, Jan. 19, at Noon (EST) right here on Substack, during which you can ask me, well, anything (about gardening, that is — not the fall of Rome or quantum physics. You’re on your own with those).

Founders, all you have to do to join is click this link next Sunday, Jan. 19, at Noon (EST). I’ll also email you with a reminder as the date approaches.

If you’re not a Founding-level subscriber and would like to participate, you can upgrade your subscription here.

📊 And Now, a Poll…

I’m writing about first-time gardeners and would like your input. If you’re new to gardening, please share what initially sparked your interest:

📬 Ask Jessica

Tony Neglia is nursing this Phalaenopsis orchid back to health. (Tony Neglia)

DEAR JESSICA: My daughter gave me this orchid to save about a year ago. I repotted it, and it’s getting healthier. The leaves have gotten larger, and a few more have grown. Can you advise me on how to care for it? —Tony Neglia, Commack, NY