Are phals hard to grow?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Tim P.

I originally bought one from Walmart and had a brown thing on the base of the plant that was sunk in.

Are you able to give a better, more specific description of what that "brown thing on the base of the plant that was sunk in" was?

Originally Posted by Tim P.

I recieved a different one from a greenhouse, they obviously watered it wrong because within a few weeks it developed crown rot, which I know wasn't due to me, I watered it only once...

You're right, it wasn't you...

Originally Posted by Tim P.

...and was finicky about where the water was going.

I don't understand what you mean by this.

Originally Posted by Tim P.

After my first two mishaps it just seems as if they are difficult.

I'm of the opinion that generally speaking, Phals are not the best orchids for total beginners.

I think that they can be good candidates for hobbyists who are in the transition phase of getting out of the beginners level and going into the intermediate level.

I also think that there are other groups of orchids that are more forgiving than Phals are to mistakes, and would therefore make them better candidates for a total newbie.

Originally Posted by Tim P.

I'm kindof scared of killing a new one. do u think I will have a fighting chance with a descent one?

With a healthy specimen, people who are able to provide the plant with the proper growing environment and are willing to take care of the orchid will have a fighting chance.