phal has weird leaf shape... problem or no?

[audra]

I bought this phal about 4 years ago. It's never re-bloomed. It's pretty much been limping along the whole time. I've given it regular water and sat it on a table near a west facing window, but haven't really given it much more thought than that. most recently, my cat pulled it out of its pot which caused it to become very dehydrated. I was able to nurse it back to perkiness (thought it now only has 1.5 leaves left. Since we spent so much time together these last few weeks, I have suddenly become more devoted to it. It has (as long as I can remember) always had oddly shaped leaves for a phal. instead of being sort of flat and elliptical, they are more erect and creased on the bottom with the very tip having a bit of a downward curl. The leaves are also a bit purplish on the under sides. Has anyone ever run across this? Is it just the way the plant is or did I cause it with too much sun, not enough water, etc.?
Thanks in advance for your help! Let me know if anyone needs a picture...

[jerrymeola]

It may just be the type of Phal you own. The description could almost be the semi-miniature Phal Naples Nights that we are using in the hybrid growing project.

It is naturally more erect in the leaves. thin and pointed with a purple cast under the leaves.

I do not think you could be over-watering as it would have died long before 4 years.

This photo is from one of the plants in the growing project. It shows the natural shape and the different color on the bottom of the leaf.



You should put your orchid in a cool spot this winter as Phals like a 20 degree drop in temperature from day to night in order to set flower buds. You could also increase the light level, but do it slowly to avoid shock to the plant.

[kmarch]

Your leaves sound normal. Phals can exhibit some variety in their leaves.

[patticake]

Audra, A photo would really help! Good luck with it!

[audra]

Thanks all! This is by far the most interesting and helpful orchid resource I have found. I think you might be right on, jerrymeola, about the temp drop. I live in coastal southern CA so it's so easy and tempting to keep the inside temp the same all year round (since the outside temp only varies an average of about 20 degrees, if that). I will try sticking it outside at night this fall and see what happens!

[audra]

p.s. shape of the leaves look very much like what jerrymeola posted in the pics above, though my leaves are not variegated in color on the top like that and are slightly less purple on the bottom.