Leaves Up or Leaves Down?

by Maria
(London, UK)

Greetings, and Thanks in Advance!

I bought my first orchid, a Phalaenopsis, and its leaves were turned down: a nice, healthy, succulent green. I have had it since Easter 2012 and it is currently (September 2012) blooming for the third time. The leaves remain turned down. The plant looks very healthy. The bottom-most leaf dropped after I had had the orchid for about 6 weeks; another bottom-most leaf dropped late in August. New leaves came in, growing first upward & then beginning to curve down as they got longer.

I bought my second orchid, another Phalaenopsis, same variety, same source, about a month ago. It is still in full bloom with many blossoms, just gorgeous. All the leaves are directed upward; they are less long and there are also new leaves coming in. All the leaves look healthy.

I have been keeping an eye out to see how others grow orchids and mostly I see Phals with upturned leaves. Should I be concerned about the leaves on the first of my orchids? Is there a "correct" way to orient the leaves? Is it an indication of health?

I am still working on getting watering just right; I use a daily mist sprayer with orchid food nutrients in it that appears to be helping. In both cases roots are still mostly healthy & strong green ones.