Phal Mini Mark cute flower

[RosieC]

Yeah, not the easiest to grow, definately more finniky than other phals.

The roots seem to rot easily, more easily than others. They go VERY dark green when wet, more than roots on other phals, and seem to take longer to dry.

I recently think I worked out that they need it warmer than other phals... or at least that they cope with less than optimum cooler temperatures worse than other phals do. I tend to grow a bit on the cool side for phals and this one struggles with it most.

They also seem to sulk a LOT when repotted, but at the same time old soured medium affects them more than it does other phals (so delaying repotting can be a mistake).

As I said, I lost one last year. I think it had been left in the old medium too long, then when I repotted into a completely different medium (from bark to plain dry Leca) they both really really sulked. The one I lost had been in the old medium the longest and was already struggling but they both really did badly for a while. However I'm glad I stuck with the Leca on this one, because over the winter (and placed on a heat mat) it started growing some lovely new roots into the Leca, really strong vigorous looking roots.

So currently I grow this in Leca, on a heat mat. The pot can get really warm at times. It's in an east window like my other phals. I water it every 4 days or so.

It does seem to dislike change, so if you've found a way for it to grow then I wouldn't change too much.

[Miss_Cat]

Yes, I feel like I have to tiptoe growing this cross. Mine hate our hot dry summer season. I've had it for over 3 years now. Crossing my fingers.

[Leisurely]

One thing for certain about this plant is that it likes it's roots exposed to air. Mine has been in a 4 in. clear plastic pot since Mar. 08 and it has roots out of the pot that are hanging down about 18 in. I mist the roots about three times a week in addition to the thorough weekly watering. The medium is Orchiada, a bark that breaks down very slowly.