Lighting-Should I rotate pots?

[tjride]

I know this must sound crazy, but should I be turning my orchids that sit in a window or not? I do turn them to try and keep new growth fairly straight. or do you just let them go. Just wondering what others do or feel is correct.

[Eyebabe]

No. Do not turn them.
You will distort the flower spike growth and direction of the blooms.
Once the flower spike forms, you definitely want to keep the plant in the same orientation.
Exception: The only time I "turn" a plant in spike is when the spike has grown tall enough that it may get burned by the grow light bulb

[Paul Mc]

When it's not in spike I do turn the plant to help it stay straight. You just need to know when to expect the flower spike and keep a watchful eye for it. When you see it starting to form, the best thing to do is to leave it alone until it flowers. However, be sure the side of the plant you want to see while it is in bloom is facing the light source as this is the direction the blooms will open and the spike will grow.

[tjride]

Thank you, I will leave my plants with flower spikes- and turn any out of flower or with out flower spikes. I am glad I asked.

[Eyebabe]

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

However, be sure the side of the plant you want to see while it is in bloom is facing the light source as this is the direction the blooms will open and the spike will grow.

Paul, great point!
I should also add that AFTER the blooms open you can turn the plant all you want and I do just that!
...turning those blooms to make the best eye catching display for me and everyone else as we enter the room

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

On top of the flower buds re-orienting themselves to the light source.

If the orchid in question is a Phal; even if they're rotated out of bloom, depending on how the plant is being rotated, it might develop "helicopter leaves".

If that's what you want, that's fine. If you don't want that, then it's highly recommended that they not be rotated.

This is also true of certain other orchids. Particularly plants such as Paphiopedilums, or anything that may resemble a Phal in vegetative growth.

[Paul Mc]

Interesting King. Now that I think about that, it makes perfect sense. You would just straighten it up when repotting.

[Orchid126]

One might turn a phalanaeopsis in the window because it grows round, in a sort of whorl. But with any plant that has a rhyzome, it would be advisable to keep the growing tip of the rhyzome facing the light and the older end of the rhyzome to the rear. The growing tip should be receiving the most light.

[pedidiva]

You know I have a phal that has that "helicopter" look. I was like that when I bought it.

[Paul Mc]

All of my phal's except one look normal. But that explains the one because it does have that helicopter look. The new leaf that is almost developed now makes it look a lot better, but I let it grow in the off balanced direction on purpose this year. It seems to have evened things out.