The number shall be 5, 4 is right out! - Orchid Board

ChasWG · #1 03-22-2009, 03:44 AM

OK, I couldn't resist. I was working on a TV commercial for a local garden center. And as usual, they gave me a wonderful insentive to buy something. Who can say no to a 25% discount???!!! I didn't think you could! So I didn't either.
So this is what I walked out of the store with.

Alas, this very large Phal has no proper name. It is very healthy, vibrant, vigorous and deeply Red. So I think it will be known as "Big Red." That is unless someone knows better.

So, with the addition of this massive plant I am rethinking my lighted plant stand environment. It won't fit on the shelves. It's probably 2 to 2.5 feet tall.

This was the area and shelves I was thinking. Not sure now.

Maybe this is a happy problem...

Zoi2 · #2 03-22-2009, 04:27 AM

Big Red is beautiful...looks like velvet.

Yes, you do have a happy problem...not enough shelves

Joann

Bird Song Farm · #3 03-22-2009, 05:09 AM

Now, that is a nice phal! I haven't seen a nice red on white like that, usually it is red on yellow.
You got a great deal, I'd have done the same.
Al

tuvoc · #4 03-22-2009, 11:26 AM

All I can say is great find, and welcome to the space challenged club!

Kim

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #5 03-22-2009, 11:34 AM

If I may make a suggestion, so the plant doesn't grow the opposite way it's growing now and make it like a snaking vine later on, try turning the plant the other way so the "v" shape the leaves are making face the window. That way when it spikes again, the flowers all face one way and the spike curves the same way as well.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #6 03-22-2009, 11:35 AM

I don't know the exact cultivar name, but I suspect it's something like 'Harlequin Pearl' or what not.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #7 03-22-2009, 11:37 AM

Oh, yeah, I made the suggestion also because the plant will grow uniformly in the same direction it's growing now.

camille1585 · #8 03-22-2009, 11:37 AM

Gorgeous phal!!! Love the color. It's a really nice find. I say an identical one not long ago for 5€ that I really wanted, but I'm running out of room for big plants...

quiltergal · #9 03-22-2009, 11:52 PM

Chas, you either need taller shelving or a separate "in bloom" station. I use the bottom shelf of my rack for the tall plants or ones that are in spike. My shelves are adjustable. Even so I have a few like Monstra the giant white birthday Phal. that has to sit on the floor and is still too tall to fit under the lights. I just move it closer to the window. You also could put the tall bloomers on the top shelf and suspend lighting from the ceiling. Make the lighting adjustable so you can move it up and down as needed.

ChasWG · #10 03-23-2009, 12:52 AM

Interesting ideas Terri. Thanks! And thank you King! I have repossisioned the plant. Hopefully it'll start growing in a more uniform direction. I like Harliquin Pearl!

I was thinking that I need to build a table to set that shelf on to get more of those levels into the window light. I plan on using lights for sure, but I want to also use as much natural light as possible. I'm still mulling things over in my head about this spot. The master bathroom offers a lot of good features. Humidity, light and plant visability. If I move them all to the basement, then I won't see them as much. And isn't that the point?
I'm still not sure.