Do orchids like airflow on their roots, leaves, or flowers?

[datousteve]

I'm guessing roots but I want to make sure.

[datousteve]

I guess my main question is:

I've read a few fact sheets about phals and have a general idea of how to take care of them. For example, the excerpt below is taken from a caresheet.

"Light is easy to provide for phalaenopsis. They grow easily in a bright window, with little or no sun. An east window is ideal in the home; shaded south or west windows are acceptable. In overcast, northern winter climates, a full south exposure may be needed. Artificial lighting can easily be provided. Four fluorescent tubes in one fixture supplemented by incandescent bulbs are placed 6 to 12 inches above the leaves, 12 to 16 hours a day, following natural day length. In a greenhouse, shade must be given; 70 to 85 percent shade, or between 1,000 and 1,500 foot-candles, is recommended. No shadow should be seen if you hold your hand one foot above a plant's leaves."

All of the care info seems to be directed at the leaves. Are the leaves they are referring to the actual green leaves and roots on the plant or is it the flowers?

[Ross]

I subject all of my orchids to a constant gentle breeze across the plants. Air to the roots is provided by having an open mix of almost any medium you care to use. The advantage of a breeze on Phals is it helps to assure the crown of the plant is dry before evening.

[datousteve]

Originally Posted by Ross

I subject all of my orchids to a constant gentle breeze across the plants. Air to the roots is provided by having an open mix of almost any medium you care to use. The advantage of a breeze on Phals is it helps to assure the crown of the plant is dry before evening.

My orchid I plan on growing indoors in an office so I'll hvae to generate my own breeze. I'm currently debating between a rotating fan (which would be more clumsy) or a small desk fan (smaller but the breeze would be constant.

What would you suggest?

[CableGirl]

most of my plants are outside so they have a natural breeze, but I've got two phal potted in the house and there is no way to get air on the roots. I keep the fan on in their room (no they don't have their own room, but they should!!) to make sure that no water sits on the leaves or in the crowns. The fan is an overhead fan and they are doing wonderfully.

[Ross]

I use small fans I got from Walmart last year for $5.97. They are real quiet, not too powerful and great to sit in front of on a hot day. They are too small to take care of a whole office or bother co-workers, yet plenty for a plant or two.

Hope this helps. Not sure if your "local" Wal-Mart will have them out yet, but I found them in the aisle where the desk fans are.

[datousteve]

Great looking setup!!!

Do you point the fan directly towards the leaves and roots of the orchid for the entire day?

Also... I noticed the orchid I picked up (yellow phal w/ pink center) came w/ a ceramic pot w/o holes. Should I be switching out this pot for one w/ holes? I don't see it getting much air exchange in a pot without holes but what do i know, i'm just a beginner.

[Ross]

First, yes. I point the fan at my orchids from about 4 feet away. It's breezy, but not overly so. Plants like it (I guess). I responded to the pot question in your other thread. Hope that helped. I wouldn't be so concerned about actual breezes on the roots - only way to make that happen is to mount the plant on a tree limb. But it is extremely important water does not stay around roots and block the air channels in the potting medium. I use very coarse bark for mine, in clear plastic pots and never water when I see green roots and moisture on inside of pot. When the roots seem to turn back to white or light brown, then I pour water through the pot to flood it. Take it to the restroom and turn on the faucet in the sink and water liberally. Let it drain then take it back to the office space.

[vyltan]

root breathing is essential but in a pot, unless it's a basket pot, ventilation wont change a thing. It's the great art of balancing potting mix with watering habits depending on surrounding temperature and humidity. See that link that explain the phenomenon quite well:Air Management