Coring Phalaenopsis?

[Roberta]

Remember, the natural growth of Phals is usually sideways or upside down. (They get watered from above and don't get crown rot that way) We place them pointing upwards to satisfy our human aesthetic desires. Some Phals, just like pets - or people - are more willing to follow orders than others.

[Mountaineer370]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Remember, the natural growth of Phals is usually sideways or upside down. (They get watered from above and don't get crown rot that way) We place them pointing upwards to satisfy our human aesthetic desires. Some Phals, just like pets - or people - are more willing to follow orders than others.

So true! Though for some of us, it's not just aesthetic desires but also the reality of how much space we have and whether plants can be outdoors part or all of the time or not. It's not a bad deal for the orchids, though. They get a good life, we look after their needs, talk to them and tell them how pretty they are, and in return, we ask them to please stand up straight so we can fit more of their friends in a small space.

[Dimples]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer370

and in return, we ask them to please stand up straight so we can fit more of their friends in a small space.

That phal must be an introvert.

[Arizona Jeanie]

This is the only named plant I have.
"Maui Coral" (P. Brother Sara Gold x P. Sunrise Star)
Flowers are distinctive. About 4 months after buying it from an orchid nursery, our local grocery store had it, unlabeled but the same flower, for about a third of what I paid.
First, last, and only named orchid for me.
I do like the flowers, the plant is healthy, I'm just trying to figure out how to handle its size and happy lean.
I'll try to set it straight with the next repot, meanwhile it had to come indoors.
Thanks everyone for comments and advice!

[Havoccity]

Sounds to me like its less that the plant is actively trying to grow sideways, and more so that it can't anchor itself upright because of the loose bark media (which is also why the stake doesn't stay in place). I have the same problem with my Cattleyas when the roots haven't anchored yet.

- Repot it in a upright position. Make sure all the nooks and crannies in the root system are filled. The deeper the pot the better.
- Consider adding a little bit of long fibre sphagnum to make the media less loose
- punch two little holes (soldering iron or heat up a metal skewer on the stove) at the top of the plastic pot, run a wire through to tie a stake in place.
- then tie the plant to the stake so it doesn't move.
- The plant is much heavier on one side because the leaves are all on the same side, so when new growth is forming, fiddle around a bit with the pot orientation to the light and see if you can get the new leaves to grow on the other side.

[Arizona Jeanie]

Related question:
do flower spikes need light?
If they do, my little plant light isn't tall enough.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Flower spikes tend to grow towards the light source, so in a way, yes, it “needs” the light.

If you don’t have a lot of space, and you want a Phal, you may want to consider some of the smaller species or hybrids.

If you’re just concerned about wanting a Phal/Phal relative that grows upright instead of sideways, consider Doritis pulcherrhima. They’re lithophytes and have a tendency to grow upright.

If you like orchids that look similar to or behave like succulents, you may want to think about getting Oeceoclades. Be aware that some species or hybrids can get quite large.

To your original question, I don’t recommend coring any orchid.

[Arizona Jeanie]

Hello Phillip,
Thank you for your reply!
I have several smaller Phals, but I'm out of room. For some reason they do well for me, I love the flowers, but I don't have any place for any new ones.
This "biggie" going sideways is only a problem because of space considerations, otherwise I wouldn't mind it.
It has now taken over another room and has its own grow light.
I put granite stones in the pots with the bark, I've always wondered if a lithophyte might be a good choice. I'll keep your recommendation in mind, but don't have any room right now.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Again, late to the party. This is just a suggestion to think about. When repotting plants that need to be held in position, I use gardener's tape and tie it around the pot and the plant so the plant can't move. I have had some success with top heavy plants. The tape is soft and stretchy so it won't cut into the plant.

[Arizona Jeanie]

A friend has construction experience, a workshop, and a good understanding of my problem. Here is the pot and post he put together for me. Note the rebar and zip ties!
The post is made of "furniture grade" green PVC.
I don't think this one will fall over.
Waiting for Spring to put it to use.