A question on leaves (phals specifically)

[Pilot]

Hi All--

I have several phals-- all bought this winter and spring-- most are still flowering-- really quite pleased with this new plant obsession of mine. Anyhow, my question is with regard to leaves. How many leaves grow on a phal in a season? I thought it was one-- not sure where I read that. But while admiring my collection tonight I noticed my white phal has a second brand new leaf emerging from its crown-- then again on another mini phal of mine.

Sometimes when you see a phal behaving a certain way, you think, great it must be happy-- but I know these plants can be tricky in their behavior. So, are multiple leaves normal for a phal? And can I take it as a sign the plant is happy? My white phal, which is holding onto 16 blooms with continual budding has a very healthy new leaf with its second not far behind.

Even my sickly yellow phal has a new leaf, despite having few roots the last time I repotted it into s/h (it was pushing new roots-- no idea if they're still growing).

Thanks for your help!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

One or two new leaves in a year is normal. Rarely more than that. Strangely enough, even a miniature Phalaenopsis like Phal appendiculata doesn't grow much faster than this either.

Maybe it's mimicing the leaves of a host tree that grows ridiculously slow?

You'll know that your Phals are in good shape when they "look good", grow strong new roots, grow new leaves, bloom during their blooming season, and live more than a year.

[seamonkey]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

You'll know that your Phals are in good shape when they ... live more than a year.

Yes!

[camille1585]

2 leaves seems fairly normal, at least on my phals! Usually the second appears before the first is fully grown. Sometimes I get a third leaf on some at the end of the growing season.
I have a potted Phal equestris keiki which is busy with leaf number 3, and I wouldn't be surprised if there was a fourth one later. That thing is growing like a weed, and spiking as well!

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by camille1585

2 leaves seems fairly normal, at least on my phals! Usually the second appears before the first is fully grown. Sometimes I get a third leaf on some at the end of the growing season.
I have a potted Phal equestris keiki which is busy with leaf number 3, and I wouldn't be surprised if there was a fourth one later. That thing is growing like a weed, and spiking as well!

I had no idea phals grew that many leaves in a season. I can see how they'd get too long in just a few seasons. And you're right-- the new leaves are pushing even though the first leaf is still growing. I think it is fun to see them progress because you can't imagine a leaf coming out of that tiny little space then one day, there it is!!! They grow pretty quickly, too.

I wish I could share with you just how pleased and excited I am to see my plants doing SO WELL. Even my wife said they others day that I must have these plants on some sort of drug because for whatever reason, they've burst into growing and on top of it all, spikes that once bore fading flowers have loads of new ones opening every day.

I should mention that I began using Orchid Pro on all of my phals about a month or so ago. With continued weak fertilizer with every watering and I give credit also to the good Sun for making my plants surge with life.

They love the s/h, too.

[Zoi2]

Way to grow Ryan!!
Joann

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

This is actually prime Phalaenopsis growing season. Phals put out all kinds of growths right now. Around spring is spiking/flowering. Afterwards heavy root growth. Leaves will either grow concurrently with the roots or after. Growing usually slows down during the fall/winter.