Differences in "Sisters"

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Is either fragrant?

I have not noticed any scent. However, I am growing them very cool (probably right at the edge of disaster.)

[sweetjblue]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

Noooooooo!!!!

WW.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

I have not noticed any scent. However, I am growing them very cool (probably right at the edge of disaster.)

Actually, I think that Phal. stuartiana is one of the cooler-growing species. It does fine in my GH that goes down to around 58 deg F (14 deg C) on winter nights. (Might even be a bit cooler since the plants are on the end opposite the heater, and the temperature distribution is far from even) Phal schilleriana does well under the same conditions. Alas, Phal. violacea and Phal bellina are NOT happy, even when place close to the heater which gives them a few more degrees. I have given up on those...

[estación seca]

Here's a point for beginners. Once you understand how Phals normally look and how they look when they need water, you can keep them at cooler than ideal temperatures with fewer losses.

[Roberta]

Actually, for the record, Phal. stuartiana, discussed here, actually is the species, not a hybrid. (If a species is crossed with itself, or with another plant of the same species, it's still the species...) If requested, I will happy to move the thread to Phal/Species, at this point we're probably established that. Hybrids are usually a bit more forgiving than species because they contain characteristics of their different ancestors, and probably a dollop of hybrid vigor as well. Nice thing about species is that their characteristics are somewhat more know-able since they can be traced back to particular habitats . Phal stuartiana can be found up to about 500 m (still warm but probably a little cooler than sea level), but according to Baker, occurs near water where temps are likely a bit cooler due to evaporation.

[realoldbeachbum]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Alas, Phal. violacea and Phal bellina are NOT happy, even when place close to the heater which gives them a few more degrees. I have given up on those...

Oh, Roberta, sorry you are giving up on Phal violacea and bellina. I am currently enamored of them and recently purchased 2 each!!!! I hope others on this board grow them for I surely will need advice.

[Roberta]

I do love both of those (closely related) species... with wonderful fragrance. Alas, while I manage to provide a really wide range of conditions, that lets me grow a LOT of neat things, consistent warmth is one that just doesn't quite happen. So... Have to know when to hold and when to fold. (My general rule is, give up after I have killed two of a species in spite of my best efforts to understand their needs, may extend that to attempt a third one if I think I understand the reasons and can mitigate... if I fail anyway, there are so many others to try...)

[Mr.Fakename]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Nice thing about species is that their characteristics are somewhat more know-able since they can be traced back to particular habitats . Phal stuartiana can be found up to about 500 m (still warm but probably a little cooler than sea level), but according to Baker, occurs near water where temps are likely a bit cooler due to evaporation.

Very true!

Based on the discussions I had with very talented Phal growers and various trustworthy sources, I second this.
Phalaenopsis of the Phalaenopsis section (amabilis, aphrodite, philippinensis, sanderiana, schilleriana and stuartiana) experience temps in the low 10°C in nature.

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I do love both of those (closely related) species... with wonderful fragrance. Alas, while I manage to provide a really wide range of conditions, that lets me grow a LOT of neat things, consistent warmth is one that just doesn't quite happen. So... Have to know when to hold and when to fold. (My general rule is, give up after I have killed two of a species in spite of my best efforts to understand their needs, may extend that to attempt a third one if I think I understand the reasons and can mitigate... if I fail anyway, there are so many others to try...)

Move it if you like. I apparently had a brain fart all the way around on this. However, I grow them in the low 60f. BUT, as ES said, I run them on the dry side. The nobilis wouldn't open fully until I moved it to a warmer spot.

[Roberta]

Moved...