We started *tipping* Phals a couple of years ago. Not all of them are hung
that way. If a Phal looks like a *basket case*, we put it in a basket with
spaghnum moss and just cut the hanger ends so the Phal will tip just enough
so that nothing can accumulate in the crown.

However, most of our Phals are in small Aliflor, which makes it kind of
tough to tip 'em without losing medium every time we water. And, some just
like to flop over regardless of what we do.

Diana

"eeyore" wrote in message
...
Makes sense, thanks for the reply.

"Ray B" wrote in message
...
What constitutes "better"?

In nature, you'll mostly see pals growing "flopped" over to the side. I
speculate that gravity takes advantage of the relatively small base
compared to the large plant mass above it, and "over she goes". It also
helps prevent water from standing in the crown, which helps eliminate a
great place for bacteria and fungi to grow, virtually eliminating crown
rot.

Peter Lin, a grower of excellent phal specimens (bigleaforchids.com),
intentionally tips his pots to achieve that.

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"eeyore" wrote in message
...
The photo illustrates a question I've had. A lot of my phal's, while
seemingly happy, tend to tip and grow sideways. Being a fussbudget I
always have a tendency to want to turn them vertical. Which is better?


"Jane" wrote in message
...
On Aug 15, 9:36 am, Jane wrote:
I have a Phal that has many roots growing from the top. This phal had
a problems about a year ago with yellowing leaves. I removed the bad
leaves and repotted the plant. Since then it has grown several
healthy leaves but no flowers.

The roots on top are very thick and healthy looking. They branch like
a tree. I have several other phals. They also have air roots but
nothing like this.

Does this indicate any particular issue with the plant of is it
normal? When I water this plant should I spray the roots?

thanks

Here's what it looks like:

http://home.comcast.net/~jbcamel/orchid.jpg