The Phal abuse ends here.

[greenpassion]

Thank you Phil. If my plants survive this hurricane, I'll proceed as you suggest. For now I plan on taking them down into my basement, along with the bulbs I just purchased, as well as my t5 light set ups. I also have to move my big tropicals that I thought would be safe in my studio down there as well, as they are all at risk of huge trees crushing the building. This really sucks. 30yrs here in Vermont and never this level of projected damage....

[fotofashion]

FYI: T8, T10, T12 etc. on fluorescent lamps indicates the diameter of the lamp. The smaller the number, the smaller the diameter.
Beverly A.

[Paul Mc]

Also, if if I"m remembering this correctly, here in the U.S. the government has issued new regulations that are supposed to be in effect by the end of the year. Those regulations have made T8's obsolete. You might want to research this before you purchase any fixtures for the T8's. I know it was the lower number of the batch, just not sure which one it was (T5 perhaps?).

[alley]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Thank you.

Q: How do I avoid crown rot on my Phal?

A:

1. If the Phal is grown in a pot, try and orient them as naturally as possible (they'll be in a "leaning" position).

2. If they're mounted, position them either horizontally or pendulously.

3. Attempt to avoid getting water into the crown as much as possible.

Q: What if water does end up getting into the crown, then what?

A:

1. Blow the water out of the crown. Some people use a straw to do it (it's not necessary to use a straw though).

2. Use a cotton swab or a piece of tissue paper or napkin and dab the water out of the crown.

Could you clarify what you meant by a 'leaning position' for me? I recently repotted and want to make sure I did it right...if you have a photo that would exemplify that would be great....

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

@ alley:

Phalaenopsis in natural habitat ( in situ) - YouTube

There's also the pic of one my Phals that I posted in this thread on page 9 (scroll down, please).

[Merlyn]

Example of near natural growing position.
.

[RosieC]

Interesting, I grow with the pot upright, but the plant leaning at a similar angle to Merlyn with the leaves flopped over the side of the pot.

You have to make sure you get them the right way up when potted this way. Once they have grown at that angle there is a definite up and down side and if your plant already has that you don't want to get it the wrong way up.

[alley]

Thanks so much Philip, Merlyn, and Rosie! I must say I am a little intimidated by the photo that Merlyn posted, though I know this is probably the best way, I'm a little scared to try that just now...
Rosie, could you post a photo of how you have one of your phals potted for me?

[RosieC]

I'll try and grab one when I can. It might take me a few days I'm afraid as I'm out and about to much for several days. When I get home tonight I'll see if there is already one I've take that shows what I mean.

[alley]

Ok, Thanks!-Merlyn-How do you water them when you pot them like this?