Multiple branches on single phal spike

[alannanoelle]

This is my brand new phal. It is about 3' tall! I love that it has two extra branches coming off the main spike with more buds. Can anyone tell me if this is common, and if so, how long does it take for a phal to start branching out like this? Does it happen before the buds start to grow? I have two younger phals, and they both only have a single spike.

Thanks!

[rmack5]

dont know the answers to your questions, but your plant looks exceptional!!! Great work

[mayres]

To a large degree your phal's potential to branch is genetic. Add to this age and maturity of the plants to increase even more the liklhood of branches and multiple branches. Add to this overall health and vitality of the plant - bigger and more branches. Very common occurrance for many types and less common for others. Enjoy!

[priz_m]

I agree with Mayres, genetics play a big role, at least you know that your phal will most likely keep on doing it!

[jkofferdahl]

It's pretty common, and often seen in large, white Phals. Equestris, schilleriana, stuartiana and cornucervi are among species that do this; the name cornucervi comes from "horns of the deer".

[alannanoelle]

Thanks! I am very excited to hear that this will keep happening!

[marilena]

Hi!
I have a phal which has a spike over 150cms long and is still growing. It as two spikes growing off the main spike too, and another spike growing out of one of the "junior" spikes! I'm excited too, and am waiting for them to flower. I'll post a picture then.
Enjoy your flowers while you can!
marilena

[unhappykat]

Brancjing in phal spikes is quite a common trait with most of the modern hybrids, some are bred to do that specifically.

http://www.robert-bedard.com/orchids...ris_orinda.jpg

heres a link to a good example of one. Some hybrids can produce a cloud of blooms on dozens of branches when well grown.

[Serge]

unhappykat

Robert Bedard, i think he is one of the best for phal. and Miltoniopsis.

Robert Bedard Horticulture : Phalaenopsis Flasks Seedlings and Stem Propagations

I learn a lots from him.

Serge

[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