Phal Books ? - Orchid Board

floristgirl · #1 11-20-2007, 07:33 AM

I am a one year owner of two phal's
So far I have had no new spikes, and I'm reading, these forums, going back a ways....

I heat with wood, and in the main room, the temp is hugely variable, but the light is west. I have other rooms, with east, south and north windows, but they may have cooler temps....
My misting is erratic, along with watering.....

My thinking is that I should break down and purchase a book of orchids, not a $40 comprehensive....Perhaps I should start with a compact one on Phals only.....?

Any suggestions?

Dorothy · #2 11-20-2007, 01:34 PM

WELCOME !

Glad you can join us at the OB

This may help you a bit - It's OB's care sheet for Phals -
http://www.orchidboard.com/Phalaenop...ure-Care-Sheet
Becoming more consistent on your watering/ misting and fertlizing routine will improve the health of your orchid. Phals like shade - any window that brings in light is a good source - so long as the light is indirect - if you place it in an area that receives direct light, a sheer curtain in front of the window will help prevent the leaves from burning.

I keep mine in back of my cattleyas who I place closest to the windows for the greatest light.

floristgirl · #3 11-20-2007, 02:42 PM

I really must pay more attention to this fabulous site, and all its ins and outs....found a book section, and will be able to buy it when I visit the city again.....

I've moved my plant, taken some of the fill out, so the centre is not covered.....

The phal. sheet is good.....
Found an orchid society in the city about 1.5 hrs from here, and will try and get to their monthly meeting in December.....http://www.orchidboard.com/community.../new/smile.gif

Dorothy · #4 11-20-2007, 03:02 PM

Don't forget to check out Amazon.com and/or half.com for the book you want - they give great discounts.

What kind of medium are your phals in?
I am not a fan of pure sphag moss as a potting medium for phals - my phals in strictly sphag moss ended up with root rot - you may consider repotting - if you can post a photo, we may be able to help you out further

floristgirl · #5 11-20-2007, 03:34 PM

If I may redirect you to my posting on Beginner discussions....Floristgirl is there....I think it says New Stem?
I have a pic posted, but since have taken all the moss off the top....I'm strictly using Shultz's Orchid medium potting mix
Have moved the girls upstairs to my bathroom, that has north and west windows.....
My wood heat is very, very hot at the end of the evening, when I go to bed.....so the air is really
dry.....
I don't know anyone around here that grows orchids at the moment...a very rural area......

Ross · #6 11-20-2007, 04:47 PM

I have central heat in a northern latitude and this time of year humidity around the Phals runs as low as 40% for most of the day. I grow mine in south window, but 24" away from window (which has window screens) and behind all the others like Susanne was saying. I find Phals pretty variable (well the hybrids anayway) and I tend to keep mine pretty dry compared to the picture you showed. For instance:

I'm sure your window choice will be OK. The final proof will be if it blooms for you.

Oh, and welcome. Sounds like you are pretty remote.

Dorothy · #7 11-20-2007, 07:02 PM

If that is your phal, floristgirl .. looking good

mehitabel · #8 11-26-2007, 12:01 PM

Hi, floristgirl. Some of the best discussion of phal culture I've found is available in the culture notes at Bedford Orchids. I'm not sure how to post an url here, but go to

http://www.bedfordorchids.com/culture.htm

If you scroll down to the "What I have learned" section, he discusses light for phals in a way that may be helpful to you.

Many recommendations for inducing spikes, eg at Big Leaf or at Beddard's Nursery, suggest increasing light by 50%.

You can do that fairly easily by putting a floor lamp with cfls to shine on them in the window.

Be sure to acclimate to more light slowly over a period of a week or two.

Hope this helps.

Dorothy · #9 11-26-2007, 01:47 PM

Going back to books, I have been told though I don't have it that Phalaenopsis: A Monograph by Eric A. Christenson is the Phal Bible. Much appreciation to anyone who wishes to comment about this book.

Spider · #10 11-29-2007, 05:10 PM

I think the budding has more to do with temperatures. They are warm growing and likes temps up to 30 degrees C. but flower at lower temperatures. Se my picture of Phal equestris, it was a hot summer. The spikes sets during cooler temperatures, 20 - 22 degrees C then increase heat when the spike is 5 cm long.