Tall Spikes on a Phal - Orchid Board

Maree · #1 09-29-2009, 10:59 PM

I have one phal that has been in flower for 8 months. The spike is approximately 3 feet tall. My question - does the spike height have to do with the maturity of the orchid? Or is it the species of the orchid? I have several smaller orchids and the spikes are usually 10-12 inches. Thanks much for any info. -Mel

Swamper · #2 09-29-2009, 11:47 PM

8 months??? wow that's a long time. I don't know enough about phals to help you but that seems like a long time. I wish my vandas would bloom for months.

trdyl · #3 09-30-2009, 12:28 AM

Mel,

Maturity does play role as well as culture. But what plays the biggest role in spike length is genetics. The trait has been pass on though selective breeding from the species involved.

Sandy4453 · #4 09-30-2009, 01:23 AM

Hi Mel. I think it's a combination of genetics, culture and luck...that you picked a winner!

I know that with each blooming season, you can expect more blooms on the spikes than the years previous. The length of the spikes is another explanation, one I'm not sure of.

I have one doing the same as yours. It's been blooming since February and no signs of slowing down. It's only 3 years old.

ENJOY!

Here's a pic of mine which I just took. (The yellow one cascading down from the top shelf. It's really deep yellow, pic is over-exposed.)

camille1585 · #5 09-30-2009, 04:35 AM

I agree, some phals just have it in their genes to have long spikes. Lack of light combined with higher temperatures is another cause of long spikes. And the phals that keep on producing buds all the time as they bloom will also slowly have spikes that are longer and longer One of my phals has 2 long spike because of that. It started blooming early december 2008, and it's STILL blooming! Each bloom lasts about 4 months, and there are always more buds appearing.

Maree · #6 09-30-2009, 12:56 PM

Thank you for all your insight. Sandy that sure is a beauty, over-exposed or not.

ardera · #7 09-30-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swamper

8 months??? wow that's a long time. I don't know enough about phals to help you but that seems like a long time. I wish my vandas would bloom for months.

My Phal was in bloom when I got him (Sept 08) and was still flowering as of a couple days ago. Problem is he ended up with mealybugs, so I cut his spike off. Otherwise I think he would have continued.

Maree · #8 09-30-2009, 02:16 PM

ardera, was it the one in your gallery? She sure is a beauty. Do you have anymore pictures? I would love to see another shot. What's her name? Thanks -Mel