Cold draft?

[bellc]

I have my four Phals in my master bathroom. It's already starting to get hot here in the desert of Arizona and the air-conditioning came on the other day. At that time I noticed upon entering the bathroom that two of my Phals had a ceiling vent lightly blowing cooler air on their flowers. I promptly moved them to a location away from the vent and closed the vent partway.

Instead of the flowers being "perky" and in good health, a couple of the flowers that appeared to take the draft are not necessarily "wilting," but have opened up so far as if to be stretching backward, if this makes any sense. I guess this is the flower wilting, although it it not drooping, rather it is opening so far as to rest backward.

I did know the plants should not take a draft and this just caught me by surprise. I wish I knew how to describe this better, but does it sound as if the flowers are wilting if they are opening up "too much" and bending their petals backward? Oh, responding to newbies must be such a pain! .... but can you tell how much I love my Phals?

[jerrymeola]

Blowing cool air over the flowers dehydrates the flower pedals. I get the same type of result when I take blooming orchids to a farmer's market. Heat does the same. Because you caugh it early the flower only changed shape a little rather then dying.

It will not effect the plant al all. The flowers may go back to normal but often do not. You could gently reshape the flower and it has a tendancy to stay that way.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I have a new Phal that bends its flower petals backward on opening, then straightens them out after a day. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

[bellc]

Thanks again, Jerry. You probably wonder why I'm fretting so over my new Phals, but I have most definitely caught orchid fever. These beautiful Phals I have could have cost 1 penny each, it makes no difference. These are stunningly beautiful, growing, and I want them to live as healthy as they can.

Even my husband...a real macho man who rarely cares about housework or houseplants for that matter, tending only to yardwork, absolutely loves the new orchids.

I really appreciate all the help you've given me.

Bella

[bellc]

Originally Posted by Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

I have a new Phal that bends its flower petals backward on opening, then straightens them out after a day. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

....sounds like me stretching in the morning before I straighten up!

[janet_a]

yeah, i have a new sogo benz that does that too. kind of odd looking.