If ever you are in Montreal in the spring, it's yours... But it's a huge plant to carry especially when in spike/bud.

Not sure you need to smuggle it.. if you declare it they normally shouldn't give you a hard time, I think.

I might point out Hausermann's has been selling these in their orchids on sale section for about a year now. They're $15. I ordered one just before the frigid weather hit Chicago. I was not expecting such a large plant. It has two old, cut bloom stalks and is in an 8" / 20cm pot.

Photo later. I'm baking bread.

It's only a six-hour drive from where I live!

I too bought one from hausermans, but it only had 2 spent spikes. ES, did you request one with lots of spikes? Mine was on sale as well.

---------- Post added at 09:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:28 PM ----------

:blushing:Oops. Re read your post.

I have a Sogo Yukiden V3 as well (got it at lowes not at housermanns). I don't have the knack for perfect cascades yet. My (one) spike is large, with nicely equally spaced nodes. Only the upper nodes are going to have buds though. Last year, it was spectacular but not Taiwanese Orchid Show Spectacular, if you know what I mean.

Well, that you have spikes and Buds and Flowers is something to be grateful for... Who cares about perfect. That's just a human thing😏

Glad to hear so much about how everyone is growing their "V3's"! Right now my 4 spikes didn't really end up growing much longer so there are only about 3-4 buds per spike, but it looks like a younger plant, so it could be that is all it can handle in conjunction with the change in conditions (greenhouse to my apartment's south slider door).

I second ES' comment that Hausermann's has been selling these for a fair amount of time and they are pretty cheap- they keep a stock of hundreds of these. Even with 4 spikes, my phal was only $25 or so when I went to the greenhouse, which I consider very reasonable. 2 buds opened within the last 48 hours, love it!

I was reading an article with some info on this yesterday. Thankfully I bookmarked it.
Last paragraph of the second page... higher temps during flowering may increase spike length... temps above 80 can reduce flower quality and quantity. above 82 can induce keikis.

I guess I can't post links because i'm new so look up the AOS article called; Growing the Best Phalaenopsis Part 3: Temperature and Light Requirements, Height, Insect And Disease Control

Welcome to the OB!

Welcome! There is a Break the Ice forum. How about starting a new thread, and telling us a little about you and your orchids?