Phal species - cultural info

[RoyalOrchids]

I often hear that Phal species are "harder to grow" or "more picky than hybrids". With the understanding that different species will require different conditions, what is the main difference in your approach to "difficult" Phals as opposed to others? Media, temp, humidity, light?

[jkofferdahl]

In my experience, Phal. species seem to have a narrower band of tolerance than do hybrids. With hybrids we can say the plant needs about 65 degrees at night, 80 in the day, water just before dry, bright but not direct light, and nice humidity and chances are good that the average person is going to have some success putting the plant on an East windowsill. However, with a species, we say it needs 60 degrees at night, 85 day, 1600 foot-candles of light, 65 percent humidity, etc., and unless we stay pretty close to the stated conditions the plant may well grow but may not bloom, or may bloom quite poorly.

I would, from my experience again, say that Phal species are more demanding rather than more difficult.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I've found that some of the differences is that certain Phal species tend to need to be grown wetter and have better air circulation to the roots than the hybrids.

For instance, the wettest growing Phal species I know of is Phal appendiculata.

Temperature, humidity, fertilization, lighting all appear the same between species and hybrid.

Species Phals are not necessarily harder to grow. They're just misunderstood, and yeah more demanding.

Of course these are the evergreens I'm talking about.

The deciduous ones are way different.

[RoyalOrchids]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

In my experience, Phal. species seem to have a narrower band of tolerance than do hybrids. With hybrids we can say the plant needs about 65 degrees at night, 80 in the day, water just before dry, bright but not direct light, and nice humidity and chances are good that the average person is going to have some success putting the plant on an East windowsill. However, with a species, we say it needs 60 degrees at night, 85 day, 1600 foot-candles of light, 65 percent humidity, etc., and unless we stay pretty close to the stated conditions the plant may well grow but may not bloom, or may bloom quite poorly.

I would, from my experience again, say that Phal species are more demanding rather than more difficult.

I think I know what you mean. Well put. Thanks to both of you.