phal flowering size? - Orchid Board

oluca · #1 03-14-2011, 07:57 AM

Hi there,
First post on OB. I am growing quite a few phal seedlings for the first time and though I'm sure it varies a lot between different hybrids, miniatures etc. I am wondering at roughly what age or size/leaf span I can first expect to see a flower spike? I'm basically trying to find out how long I need to be patient for

PinkCloud · #2 03-14-2011, 07:22 PM

Hello! and welcome to OB!

Seedlings grow quite slow and depending on the type it can take from 3-4 years to even 7 years before reaching blooming size. ..but I'm not sure how big the leaves need to get. sorry.
Happy growing!

Ray · #3 03-15-2011, 10:41 AM

Yes, it varies tremendously.

I have some species (cornu-cervi, for example) that bloom on plants with 3" leaves, while others, such as gigantea may have to attain 18"-24" leaves before they can be considered blooming size.

oluca · #4 03-15-2011, 05:57 PM

Thank you for the replies. I have 15 different seedlings. I guess I'll just have to be patient and hopefully one day they'll surprise me.

PinkCloud · #5 03-15-2011, 06:22 PM

Oluca-> How long have you had them for?

oluca · #6 03-16-2011, 12:06 AM

I've only had them for about 4 months. Most of them are miniatures and I'm hoping these won't take as long to flower. The longest leaves on the seedlings vary but are around 8-10cm (3-4in) long. I have one larger one that is over 18 months old and it's longest leaf is 14cm (5.5in) and I'm hoping this one is not too far off.