I wouldn't say that phals like lots of heat--they definitely don't like it as cool as my maxillaria, but they're doing well with winter temps in the 60's here, which I think is more intermediate. When they're outdoors for the summer the day temps go into the 90's (with humidity to match--gotta love Ohio) and the night temps drop into the 60's.

Dappled shade/filtered light seems to be key for these plants--they don't do well for me in deep shade when outdoors (or indoors for that matter), and they do get some direct sunlight, but it's filtered through the leaves of other plants so the light doesn't hit any one spot on the phals for a long time.

I agree that humidity is something that they seem to need. I have the luxury of having relatively high household RH year round, which simplifies things. If your humidity is low you have many options to bring it up, ranging from simple (pebble trays, which tend to be limited in effectiveness) to more elaborate (cool mist humidifiers and such).

There's a video on this site somewhere which shows a phal growing in situ that was a huge help for me in learning what the plants needed. One of our other members might be able to provide a link for it.

Catherine

Wow! Phals in NM!!! Good nick for you. Just kidding. Phals grow very well in NM. Just adjust your culture a bit. RH? As long as the phal is watered when it is time, RH need not be high. Mine grow fine here in our dry part of the year. A little loose sphagnum moss cut into short lengths mixed in with bark or LECA will help the roots environment a little. If it is in a fine (1/4") bark then watch how often you water as the bark gets older. I am not a fan of fine bark per se. I Like a medium bark, with sphagnum moss mixed in, and then I just water when needed.