Welcome to the forum Gill, and congratulations on your new plant.

What the temperature on your tag indicates is the lowest recommended temperature your plant should be exposed to, i.e. night time temperature. While this is probably for optimum growth, my phals routinely get down into the 40's during the fall. Your room is actually perfect for growing/blooming your phal. A south window in the winter is GREAT for phals, and the fluctuating temperatures are even better. A good number of phals need a good temperature swing of about 15F between day and night in order to bloom. If you do a google search for phalaenopsis culture, you can find a wealth of information that can help you in your quest to grow this guy. Hes much easier than your cymbidium (which probably didn't bloom because it didnt get a 35F temperature differential between day and night temps, down to almost freezing)

Someone gave you a very nice present there, Gill.

I'd second much of what terpguy mentioned, HOWEVER, you will notice that your new plant will be much happier in the summer when it is brighter and warmer. Remember that with less light and warmth, your plant will be growing slower and so will require less water. Water only when the potting medium feels dry to the touch at least an inch down or use the weight test - when it's dry, it will be much lighter.

In the meantime, you could always give it a little more light, especially on those days when it's dark and gloomy out. (I'm in Canada, we know dark and gloomy winters too, though, hey, we did get about 6 sunny days in December!)

I would suggest you look at obtaining a very simple lamp with a flexible arm (mine came from Ikea) and outfitting it with a compact fluorescent bulb (the twisty, "energy saving" ones). Place the bulb about 8-12 inches above the leaves and turn on the lamp when you leave in the morning if it's going to be a particularly dark day, turning it off at night when you get home. This will give it that bit more light and will warm things up very slightly as well.

Hope this helps, and enjoy your present.

Julie

Thank you both for the help and encouragement.
The Phaly was part of my gift from one of our children and his fiance, so I need to keep it going!! I have success with lots of plants, theyre a hobby of mine, but I am not familiar with Phalenopsis culture...yet! It may well turn out to be another 'P' based obsession to go with palms, plumerias, photography, pets and even places (as I like overseas travel, so can I count that one too?!). We have got a redundant flexi arm light thing and some spare low energy twisty bulbs, so I will set it up as you suggest. I can also put my palm seedlings under it and my baby Desert Rose now the Christmas lights are coming down soon as I was using them for the same purpose.
Great! Thanks again, no doubt I will be back again but in the meanwhile...Happy New Year to all.
Gill.

hello, Gill, welcome to another addition! you may find the info here helpful. http://www.canadianorchidcongress.ca/cculture/culture.html

sue

Hi there Sue! Fancy seeing you here!
Thanks for the link.
Gill.

hello, Gill, I was wondering when the orchid bug would bite you.. you got a very nice orchid from your son and his fiancee. I meant to say that before but I was so excited to "see" you here: I thought it but forgot to write it! Enjoy.
sue

Sue, think we have all got bitten by one huge plant bug as it's surprising where folks keep popping up usn't it? Just hope I can keep this fellah going, it's really lovely. Have always admired the displays of orchids in the garden centres but avoided them as I don't know agreat deal about them...yet. Pity it has no smell, that would be a real bonus. Freezing cold and sunny here today, we're off for a woodland walk after dinner run by the local council!
Take care.
Gill.
(PS my Desert Rose is still alive, think it may have been potted too deep so lifted the caudex out more, whisper- whisper!)

hello, Gill, I am also quite new in growing orchids - I find that phals are the easiest - just make sure that no water touches the crown (where the leaves come out)because the water will rot the whole plant. i would wipe it dry with tissue if I accidentally get water there. I also find it helpful to join an orchid society. and, of course, you can ask any questions here - I find every one here very good with imparting information and sharing their experiences. there are posters here who have had decades of experience.
I am glad that your DR is still OK.
sue