The Phal abuse ends here.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Growth Habit:
- epiphytical
- lithophytic

Growth orientation:
- Phals grow horizontally or pendulously off their perches with their leaf tips pointing towards the ground.

* FALLACY: Phals grow upright. *

** TRUTH: Phals hang horizontally or pendulously. **

How Phals grow epiphytically:

- They hang horizontally or pendulously off of trees that are usually barren of moss or have thin patches of moss, either on the branches of trees or tree trunks.

- Sometimes they hang horizontally or pendulously off of trees that are covered in lichens, either on the branches or tree trunks.

How Phals grow lithophytically:

- They hang horizontally or pendulously off of wet cliff faces or outcroppings.

- Some specifically grow on wet limestone.

- Example: Phal maculata.

*** Amendment ***

With the recent induction of plants in the genus Doritis into the genus Phalaenopsis, there are now Phals that do grow upright. But these are currently reserved for Phals that used to be known as Doritis.

- So, for example:

Phal (Doritis) pulcherrima, grows upright and have leaves that are held out horizontally.

Photo evidence of Phal pulcherrima being an upright growing Phal, having leaves that are held out horizontally, and of the orchid growing in such a manner as a lithophyte:

http://a402.idata.over-blog.com/3/75...cherrima_2.jpg