How are You growing your Phals?

[peeweelovesbooks]

Hi. I have phals growing in a couple of ways.

First, my really big phals are growing in vanda boxes. They basically tipped over so I decided to place them there. They are underneath a mango tree in my teensy back yard and are growing, growing, growing. I put just coconut husk fibers and some cork, nothing else. I water them almost every day. I'm happy with the results but yesterday I was looking closely and realized that they are going to have to stay on the baskets because the roots have wrapped themselves around the wood. I didn't think of this when I put them there. One of them is developing a spike and the three other ones just finishd blooming.

I also have phals in plastic pots. I have them in a mixture of 1/2 coir and 1/2 monterrey bark. I varied once and added some tree fern fiber but like the 1/2 and 1/2 better. They seem to like it a lot---they keep growing roots and leaves but no flowers. some of them are hanging outside (with the plastic pots inside the clay) and some are inside the terrace with the windows open. The ones outside are growing faster than the ones inside. Therefore, I'm thinking of just putting everyone outside in the front entrance.

I have like 8 more inside, but it's definitely too cold in here. They are healthy but no flowers. I'm moving those outside as well.

I bought a phal giantea and plan to mount in on cork.

[Bird Song Farm]

Hi,
Would really like to see a pic of your P. gigantea when you get it mounted.
Thanks,
Al

Originally Posted by peeweelovesbooks

I bought a phal giantea and plan to mount in on cork.

[Joansorchid]

Originally Posted by whygreenberg

Hi, Sandy! Yes, I'm growing my two Phals in a 50/50 mix of sphagnum and marble chips. I had them originally in straight fir bark, and I couldn't quite get the watering to work out. They also didn't seem to want to establish and catch hold in the bark. Of course, both of these things are due to me, not inherent in the bark. Both issues have been resolved for me now with the switch to sphagnum and marble chips.

Yvan

So pleased I read this post as I have some marble chips (coloured) left over from when I owned a pet shop and was thinking of trying these. Next time I repot a phal etc I will now definately try it!
Thank you Joan

[whygreenberg]

Hi, Joan! Yes, the marble chips have worked great for me. They keep the sphagnum nice and open, and the roots really seem to go for it. Plus, since my Phals like to grow out at an angle, the chips provide a little bit of weight which helps keep the pots from tipping over.

Not knowing exactly what you've got there, I'd just make sure that the color of your chips is natural and not added (dye).

[Undergrounder]

The weight is a good point but just in case you're looking for a substitute, i use styrofoam chips i get from the bin of the local grocer. Much cheaper, and i actually prefer the light weight because it is more obvious to know when they need water.

[peeweelovesbooks]

Originally Posted by Bird Song Farm

Hi,
Would really like to see a pic of your P. gigantea when you get it mounted.
Thanks,
Al

No problem!! Will do my best. It should arrive sometime next week.

[Joansorchid]

Hi Yvan
My marble chips are dyed but I would think that they are safe as they are the type used in aquariums and fish are usually quite sensative.
Joan

[Kratos]

Almost all of my Phals are in a primary Bark mix in uncovered plastic pots, with a small mount of sphagnum. The moss tends to spread quickly however and not sure how that will work out longer term...

[peeweelovesbooks]

Originally Posted by Bird Song Farm

Hi,
Would really like to see a pic of your P. gigantea when you get it mounted.
Thanks,
Al

Hi there. I received the phal. but hesitate to mount and put it outside due to the colder weather. It sometimes gets as low as 30's in January/February. So, I'm kind of conflicted as to what to do? any suggestions? maybe I should start a new thread, huh?

[cb977]

Originally Posted by peeweelovesbooks

Hi there. I received the phal. but hesitate to mount and put it outside due to the colder weather. It sometimes gets as low as 30's in January/February. So, I'm kind of conflicted as to what to do? any suggestions? maybe I should start a new thread, huh?

I'd suggest making sure you've made a real decision before doing anything as this one does not like it's roots to be disturbed...so the less you do to it, the better