Multiple branches on single phal spike

[Joseph**]

Originally Posted by Ranchnanny

Alannanoelle, I have a similar color Phal. and its a very large orchid. It started a flower spike last year just before Christmas and it is still in bloom. It had an extra branch on the main spike and at one time had over 15 flowers. Right now it is down to 4 flowers which is a second bloom on the same spike. It just kept putting out more buds.

It is beginning to show some stress. Hopefully it will make a comeback.

Good Growing - Sheridan

Hi how do we tell whether it is under stress? thanks

[RosieC]

I didn't realise, until I read it here, that some Phals have a tendency to branch their flower stems.

One of the two I bought in April has a flower stem which is just starting to produce buds. This morning I've noticed that, of the nodes at the top which I thought were producing buds, the lowest is actually growing a spike branch instead.

One of the two had a branched stem when I bought it... now I can't remember which is which (they are NOIDs anyway). It will be interesting when if flowers to see if it's the same one that had branches back in April.

[marilena]

Thanks, unhappykat. I do hope my other phals do the same! They seem to be shying away from producing "superblooms."

marilena

[Ranchnanny]

Joseph** My large Phal that has been blooming since before last Christmas is showing stress its leaves are getting limp and ribbed. This morning the 4 flowers left on the spike were all limp so I cut off the whole spike. Now I will tend to the stress with a little extra care.


Sheridan

[alannanoelle]

That's definitely very similar to mine! So beautiful.

[marilena]

Yes, I agree with you, so beautiful indeed! It does brighten up your day, doesn't it?
marilena.