Longer Phal spikes?

[Bill U.]

Hi everybody!

Yesterday I bought a Phal. Sogo Yukidian 'V3', which I have seen can have absolutely stunning cascade displays on long spikes. The plant I bought has 4 spikes! I'm wondering how to achieve that long spiking habit? I know for certain growers and competitions they will repress blooming for a few years, but since the spiking has started, are there more secrets?

So far, it looks like the spikes were growing with long internodes, but it looks like some of the spikes are starting to "shorten up" in internode length already (would that affect the display?) Each of the spikes are about 12" long and are now spiked (they had gotten a few wild curves in the greenhouse).

I plan on keeping it under my grow lights with the rest of the phals and culture as usual. Right now temps are about 75F day and 64F night (the natural variation of my apartment). Any tips are appreciated! I will post a picture later when I'm home!

[orchidsarefun]

Its the plant genes. They've been bred for large multi-branching spikes and large white blooms. They are difficult to accommodate under lights, the best site is at a large east-facing window.

[Bill U.]

Thanks Orchids, I should have mentioned that I use supplemental grow lights for some of my plants that don't fit in my southern window (Don't have any other direction). They don't get direct sun, but maybe I should make room for this one directly in the window itself since it needs more light? I had also found some article somewhere (lost the link) that the difference in day/night temps can affect spike? Any input from knowledge or experience?

[orchidsarefun]

My bigger phals are in South facing windows. You need to ensure, especially now going into Winter when the angle of the sun changes, that they do not get extended periods of direct sun. Generally some phals, not all hybrids and species, do need a cooler period and this can be achieved by moving the phals ( with adequate shading ) closer to the window for around 6 weeks in late Summer and Fall.

[estación seca]

Ha Ha you live near Hausermann's. The people who win awards are compulsive about growing conditions - big plants, perfect light, perfect temperature, perfect humidity, perfect care. You won't be able to match the award winners in a home. But the closer you come to perfect growing conditions, the better your plant will look. The clone makes a big difference, too - this one is known for making great displays.

[Manu]

My V3, which is my first Phal, does this naturally. The only piece of advise I can give you, is that her spike (like most orchid spikes) will follow the light, so make sure you do not change the way you place it towards the light or you will end up with weirdly shaped spikes. I find the V3 spikes react very quickly to a change of orientation. It will create it's arched cascade display naturally as the buds start to add weight to the spike. The distance between the nodes is very long at first and starts to shorten when it gets closer to the flower nodes. Also, mine will flower from those nodes the following years and can keep flowering from old spikes as long as the leave below doesn't fall off. Mine had 7 spikes last year, 2 new ones and flowers off the 5 old ones, makes a great display! It's my last Hybrid, I want to get rid of it to make space for more plants as it's such a big one but my wife refuses lol

[greenpassion]

Wow! Just saw this post! 7 spikes!!! I have a v3 from Hausermans as well. I got it about 6 mths ago, and it had previously put up double spikes. It is currently now putting up one. I'm disappointed that it's only one spike, but on the other hand I'm surprised that it's spiking at all considering that it's barley gotten used to it's new environment. Does this particular phal put numerous spikes right at the same time, or do they come up more spaced out? I'm asking because maybe a second one will appear soon... the spike it has now is about 4 inches long.

[Manu]

Originally Posted by greenpassion

Wow! Just saw this post! 7 spikes!!! I have a v3 from Hausermans as well. I got it about 6 mths ago, and it had previously put up double spikes. It is currently now putting up one. I'm disappointed that it's only one spike, but on the other hand I'm surprised that it's spiking at all considering that it's barley gotten used to it's new environment. Does this particular phal put numerous spikes right at the same time, or do they come up more spaced out? I'm asking because maybe a second one will appear soon... the spike it has now is about 4 inches long.

My V3 starts growing new leafs once done growing it's spikes. After it completes 2 leafs and starts the 3rd, a spike emerges. After it completes 3 leafs and starts growing a 4th new leaf, I get the 2nd spike. But this is just my experience, I've seen some V3 with multiple spikes emerging at same time.

In my experience, as long as it's growing leafs, you have a chance of getting that 2nd or 3rd spike. Once leaf growth is over, i don't get new spikes. Old spikes from previous years restart growth just before the first spike emerges. It blooms all winter/summer, normally around may all buds are open and leaf growth resumes. Last buds fall around September. A great hybrid, but after blooming it a few years in a row it becomes boring (in my opinion). In my case, with limited space, it will need to need to go. This will be it's last year in my setup. Currently has 2 fat spikes growing at record speeds, I cut off all the old spikes last year as it was hard to manage this plant under my lights. I will be replacing it with an almost mature gigantea in the spring :-)

Happy holidays!

[greenpassion]

Send it to me!!! It will have a very good home with me promise!

[estación seca]

If you feel adventurous maybe you should drive to Montreal and try to smuggle it back.