The growth of our Orchids.

[Jeffery]

I have seen some very huge Phals, I was wondering how do you get them to these sizes? do the leafs on the plants now actually grow and get bigger or does it get larger as new leafs develope?

[slipperfreak]

The older the plant gets, the bigger it will develop its leaves. Older, smaller leaves are shed and replaced by new, larger ones. Of course, there is a limit to how big the leaves get, and leaf size varies by species/hybrid.

To get big leaves on a Phal, grow it well, and grow it to maturity. This really applies to any plant. By grow it "well", I mean fulfill all of the plant's cultural requirements. That, after all, is really the trick to growing any plant. Find out what it needs, and provide that. Sometimes this is easy to do, sometimes it's hard.

So there really isn't a trick to getting good strong growth on your Phals (or any plant) besides good, consistent culture, and a little patience. And like I say, there is variation in leaf size in Phals.

[Jeffery]

Originally Posted by slipperfreak

The older the plant gets, the bigger it will develop its leaves. Older, smaller leaves are shed and replaced by new, larger ones. Of course, there is a limit to how big the leaves get, and leaf size varies by species/hybrid.

To get big leaves on a Phal, grow it well, and grow it to maturity. This really applies to any plant. By grow it "well", I mean fulfill all of the plant's cultural requirements. That, after all, is really the trick to growing any plant. Find out what it needs, and provide that. Sometimes this is easy to do, sometimes it's hard.

So there really isn't a trick to getting good strong growth on your Phals (or any plant) besides good, consistent culture, and a little patience. And like I say, there is variation in leaf size in Phals.

Does the size of the pot have anything to do with it? this will be a tough question I am sure, but is there a way to somewhat know the age of the plant? all but 1 of my Phals leafs are on average 4 to 6 inches in length, and the other is about 10 inches in length.

[Hedge]

A Phal grows two leaves a year so if you know it has not lost lower leaves due to age you can estimate its age that way. Plants that are grown well will get ten inch leaves if they are a large hybrid type, but my mini phal is very happy with 4 inch leaves. The flower size can also reflect how well the care is being given - or if a plant is exhausted and needs a rest from continually being in flower, the blooms tend to get smaller and the colours may fade in extreme cases. Keeping an eye on conditions especially compost and feeding will ensure good growth. Pot size should be enough to accommodate the roots without too much space - they are quite happy slightly pot bound.

[Jeffery]

when leafs start to drop over, what sign would this be? flowers and roots still look good, but getting a little droppy, this one happens to be the closest to the window...

[cabbo]

Originally Posted by Jeffery

when leafs start to drop over, what sign would this be? flowers and roots still look good, but getting a little droppy, this one happens to be the closest to the window...

If the roots are good and you're not overwatering its nothing to worry about. Its just what they do.

[Hedge]

That looks fine - very healthy leaves good tone not wrinkled or torpid, so well done - and I see two flower stems so obviously it is thriving

[Jeffery]

Originally Posted by cabbo

If the roots are good and you're not overwatering its nothing to worry about. Its just what they do.

ohhh!! I love that orchid, blue happens to be my color, haven't seen a blue one yet, what is it?

[Jeffery]

Originally Posted by Hedge

That looks fine - very healthy leaves good tone not wrinkled or torpid, so well done - and I see two flower stems so obviously it is thriving

Yes! that one has twin spikes, nope! no wrinkles, just droppy, OK! thats good, its the only 1 doing that so I thought it wasen't right and I am sure I am not over watering..thanks for the help Hedge..

[Orchid126]

A very well grown plant. The leaves are very light green, an indication that the plant is getting lots of light, perhaps a bit too much. In fact, they are pulling back and curling around the pot, another sign which may indicate they are trying to pull away from so much light rather than reach for it. You might back the plant away from the source of light a few inches. Not much, as the light drops dramatically for every six inches away from the light source.

As slipperfreak says, in addition to good culture and the age of the plant, leaf size varies by species/hybrid. Some may never become huge. Others may grow into monsters. Perhaps some research into your plants will yield this information.