Plants become more and more susceptible to infections problems as ambient conditions diverge more and more from ideal for the plant. People growing Phals in cool to cold temperatures are stressing the plants when temperatures approach 60 F / 15C. Leaving water stand in the crown in a stressed plant may allow organisms to attack. Growing in very hot, humid and still air predisposes to bacterial Erwinia attach, a soft wet rot.
In good climates, with plenty of warmth, air flow and humidity, Phals are less susceptible to crown rot fungus and bacteria. In habitat they grow sideways, with the long leaves drooping down on each side like pairs of Basset Hound ears. The crown drains rapidly.
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