Confused - or multitasking - Phalaenopsis

[Roberta]

People fairly often post questions about unusual growths on Phalaenopsis. (Not the usual roots, leaves, flower spikes) Here we have one that shows the wide repertoire of things that a Phal can do. This is the species, Phal. schilleriana, but hybrids can do it also. Here's the story.,,

At first, my Phal schilleriana appeared to be producing two nice flower spikes. "Great" I thought. It's that time of year. Then, after some weeks, those "spikes" sprouted big, healthy leaves. Oh, I thought, guess I'm going to get keikis. Well, OK, I can always use another couple of Phal. schilleriana, it's a lovely species. BUT... the leaves just got bigger, no sign of a root on either spike. So not really keikis. And then, those leaves each sprouted a REAL flower spike. So no "spare plants", but I'm getting my flowers after all. Will those leaves sprout roots later after the flowers are done? Maybe... or maybe not. I'm just going to sit back and enjoy the show, whatever it "decides" to do next.

[Toadwally]

Speaking personal, I'd just ride the chaos. A lot from whicht o be gleaned in this unfolding. Neat.

[Roberta]

Exactly what I plan to do. Get out the popcorn and watch the show unfold.

[Toadwally]

Front row, I'll pay extry. Intriguing!

[MateoinLosAngeles]

What a beautiful plant, Phal schilleriana has been on my wish list for a while. The foliage is absolutely stunning.

Is there any reason why you could suspect a mutation? Such as use of additives, hormones, etc.?

All in all, you got a very interesting and special show this year, so congratulations!

[Roberta]

I don't suspect a mutation.. it's just one of the things that Phals do. New growers sometimes are puzzled when they see growth patterns out of the ordinary, my point is that sometimes they just do things a bit differently. Nothing to worry about, nothing that one needs to do. In other words, the range of "normal" is wider than people expect.

[dbarron]

Always keep 'em guessing, right ?

[Mountaineer370]

That one will be very interesting to watch and see what else it decides to do. I'm another one who would love to have a Phal. schilleriana, but I'm afraid it will get too big for my space. Please keep us posted with additional photos!

[Roberta]

I have several Phal. shillerianas (and they're in spike, so more flowers coming)... I do love them. They aren't large, size comparable to a medium-sized hybrid Phal. And grow under pretty much the same conditions., no particular special needs.

[Leafmite]

Plants are quite fun when they do what we find unexpected. I think that once the blooming is over, it will begin to produce roots. Some orchids, as well as other plants, will bloom before the new growth produces roots and, once the blooming is finished, the roots begin to grow. Please update us on this!