Can a Phal grow too much? - Orchid Board

Jennyfleur · #1 04-28-2011, 02:10 PM

Hi everyone,

I know that there are a lot of folks out there who will know about the phal keiki which has driven me crazy over the length of time it took to put out roots. Well, the keiki now has two lovely healthy roots and is well underway with it's 4th leaf. At the same time, the mother plant is going totally crazy putting out new roots (both in the pot and outside the pot), she's started a spike a couple of weeks ago whichis now about 5-6 inches long, and I've just notice that mamma is also putting out a new leaf!!

So, basically everything is growing on the plant at the moment (the only thing that's missing is a spike on the keiki!!). It all seems nice and healthy and, when I can charge my camera, I'll take pictures. However, is it possible that a plant can try to do too many things at once and end up 'hurting' itself??

tucker85 · #2 04-28-2011, 02:32 PM

I don't think you have anything to worry about. Obviously you're giving your orchid excellent care and it's happy and growing. Orchids, like other plants, are programmed to start growing rapidly in the Spring. This is the time when we see lots of new roots and leaves. It sounds to me like the keiki may still be a little too small to flower. Good luck and enjoy!

Jennyfleur · #3 05-01-2011, 12:12 PM

Thanks Tucker

Yes, the comment about the keiki was a little tongue-in-cheek! I was just curious as there are other plants (like my fly-traps and sundews) where you actively discourage flowers - they take so much energy, the plant's survival is in quite a lot of danger! I know it's not the same for orchids, but that's what got me thinking about it.

Here are some pictures of my little and not so little ladies who are guzzling water in the extreme at the moment! You can just about see some of the new pinker root growth in the pot but not quite the new ones coming from the plant above the bark-line.

quiltergal · #4 05-01-2011, 01:12 PM

It looks great Jenny! I don't think you need to worry. If it didn't have the energy to spare it wouldn't be doing so many things at the same time. All it means is you have provided it with everything it needs to go crazy and then some. Congrats on a very well grown plant!

pedidiva · #5 05-01-2011, 01:22 PM

your phal may have some equestris in ts heritage--they are well known for throwing off keikis.

Jennyfleur · #6 05-01-2011, 01:22 PM

Aw, thanks

(... and I *still* can't help reading 'quit legal' for your username- what's wrong with me?!)

Jennyfleur · #7 05-01-2011, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pedidiva

your phal may have some equestris in ts heritage--they are well known for throwing off keikis.

Who knows with these hybrids of hybrids type phals! However, the shape of the flowers is not very 'equestris-like' but unfortunately, I don't have a picture. The last time it flowered was on the spike with the keiki and that was before I joined OB so I never thought to take pictures! Rest assured, when this new spike pops its flowers, you all will be the first to know (and see)

Lana · #8 05-01-2011, 02:11 PM

Your phal looks super healthy and happy! I wouldn't worry about it exhausting itself; looks like it's got plenty of energy

RosieC · #9 05-02-2011, 02:41 PM

I have some which grow leaves/roots and flowers spikes/flowers all at the same time.

I think if it is a happy Phal (which yours looks like) then it will just do that.

Jennyfleur · #10 05-02-2011, 03:48 PM

Thanks Lana and Rosie - it's nice to know that mine's not the only manic one!

I will admit to being so excited to seeing it's flowers again, I hasn't flower since the keiki started growing (so it missed a year). The flowers are such a gorgeous magenta colour