On 23/08/2014 23:44, Bertie Doe wrote:


"Spider" wrote in message ...


Buds can abort if the plant is turned to face a different direction.
They are unable to turn with the stem, so drop off. This is why
orchids are invariably bought with flowers open. Drought and dryness
can also have the same effect.

I have 2 phals on an East facing window. Problem is, they both suffer
from excess growth on one side.

I've tried adjusting the thin support sticks (supplied) to get them more
upright but with little success.

Don't want to turn them around, as you say, for fear of buds and flower
loss.





Once out of the bud stage, I turn mine very, very gradually, but only if
I feel they really need it. If you try this, make sure yours are
well-watered to lessen the chance of flower loss. I've never lost
flowers this way yet, but I am very cautious. Of course, you can always
wait until the flowers are over and then turn it round to balance up the
growth. If yours are very lop-sided, you may have to be patient and
wait until they're ready to be potted on, then simply set them as
upright as you can *without breaking roots*.

--
Spider.
On high ground in SE London
gardening on heavy clay