phal division

[KatyaB]

I bought a new phal in July of 2012. I thought it was in great condition because it had 11 leaves, TONS of healthy roots, and two large blooming spikes. From the beginning I saw that at the base of most of the leaves, there were some black dry spots. I figured the plant was burned or something. The plant finished flowering a while ago but it hasn't grown at all. Nothing has died off but nothing is growing. I figured that its because its taking a break from flowering so much. But then today I noticed that those black spots are much more of a problem. There is rot in between the leaves. Its not the same as crown rot because its mostly dry and moldy. Hastely I took off the top three leaves and now I'm wondering if anyone knows what I should do with the plant. Will it grow a keiki or any sort of growth or have I completely ruined it by removing the top leaves since it's monopodial?

[The Orchid Boy]

Pictures would be helpful. Do you know if the spikes were terminal spikes? It may produce a keiki.

[KatyaB]

Im sorry I can't help out. Unfortunately there is nothing to take a picture of anymore. Just imagine a phal with the half top completely cut off. Im just wondering if I should toss it completely or if there is a chance of it producing a growth. I have limited space so I don't want it sitting around for a year doing nothing...

[The Orchid Boy]

Unless it is completely, totally dead, it seems like it should produce a keiki, maybe a basal keiki. It may be doing it or working on one right now and you might not know it or see it.

[violetta]

If it has good roots it may grow a basal keiki. A picture would help.

[BettyE]

I hope that when you cut it, you sprayed the cut with alcohol, then put sulphur powder on the cut. If you did this, the rot will go no further.You will eventually get a basal growth...If indeed you can wait that long. Orchids are not fast growers; most of them bloom once a year. BettyE

[Gage]

Phals can potentially recover with a keiki very quickly. I have been babysitting a friend's Phal since last spring when it had crown rot and some root rot. It has since grown a keiki with full sized leaves, and now has a long spike with buds. Here's a picture.

[BettyE]

Congratulations...the culture must be perfect/close to perfect. Most phals bloom once a year. To me,a year IS a long time! BettyE

[Gage]

Originally Posted by BettyE

Congratulations...the culture must be perfect/close to perfect. Most phals bloom once a year. To me,a year IS a long time! BettyE

I agree. A year is a long time to wait for blooms. I think I am going to give my once a year phals away once their buds have opened. I have a couple of mini phals that seem to bloom almost constantly.

Space Saver + Continual Bloomer = Keeper

Big Floppy Leaves + Once A Year Bloomer + No ID = Beautiful Gift!

Although it is nice to have punctual yearly bloomers if they fill the void when nothing or little else is blooming. And of course if it is just spectacular then it's worth the wait. I am very much looking forward to all of the ascocentrums (now Vanda) that will be blooming this spring.