"Mystic Orchids"

[Purple_phal_gal13]

The orchids you see in the stores that are dyed blue or purple....you've seen them. My sweet boyfriend knowing how I love orchids and purple is my favorite color decided he would get me one of these for my birthday.

Unfortunately unbeknown to him the lady told him this was a real purple orchid! He not having very good orchid knowledge got me the best one in a lovely shade of purple. It's a gorgeous plant with a good if not a little crowded root system. It's pretty healthy.

Ok long story outta the way, just wanted to share with ya'll, my question..

One, will this dying process damage the plant?

It's such a lovely plant I really dont want to cut the flower stalk. I know I"m going against what I should do, but would the plant be ok for now till all the blooms fall off? Or am I setting up a case of disaster where the plant will die?

[PaphMadMan]

The dye should cause little or no damage to the plant, other than the hideously discolored flowers of course. If you can stand to look at them there's no reason to cut the spike.

[Phalchid]

Since you said that the Phal looks healthy, enjoy the blooms while they last. The last of the blooms may be a shade lighter than the first few blooms. My neighbor friend has one; the blooms are long gone, but the plant is doing well

[Purple_phal_gal13]

Yeah I know, but it is purple and the white is starting to come back since I've been watering it with orchid water. It's kinda a neat looking effect even if it is dyed.

But the plant once it blooms again will be a lovely white bloom.

[Purple_phal_gal13]

I'm a sucker for anything purple.....

[Phalchid]

You're right! I remember how my son wanted me to get a light blue one from Hausermann's when we were there and I had to firmly tell him no!

[Phalchid]

I love purple too! I bought a nice purple dendrobium from Home Depot a few months back, and then this neighbor friend of mine happened to stop by. She remarked that it could be a dyed one which had me wondering, until somebody at Orchid Board said that it's the real deal!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If you like naturally purple Phal species, try Phal violacea or Phal leuddemaniana. If you're looking for a purple Phal hybrid, try the "Harlequin" type Phals.

I'm also aware of the Phals that are dyed blue. To date, the only orchids that are considered to truly be blue are certain species in the genera Disa and Thelymitra, with some of the species belonging in the genus Thelymitra being the easier ones to grow. Plants in both genera are generally not considered beginner's plants though.

[Purple_phal_gal13]

King, I actually own a true purple Harlequin orchid. It's still coming back from a bad case of root rot. It's slow in it's recovery but I'm hopeful.

As the weeks have passed I've noticed a deterioration in the roots of my Mystic orchid. I'm leery about leaving it in it's current potting mix. The mix is broken down a good ways and the roots are "rootbound" somewhat. I know orchids like that but the the noticeable dead has grown.

I'm thinking about cutting the infloresence and repotting the orchid. I'll need to get a new supply of orchid media but I'm def going to switch the pot for an oxygen core pot.

[Rowangreen]

If it's still pretty healthy I wouldn't cut the flower spike when you repot. A lot of phals aren't that bothered about re-potting. I'm sure it will appreciate more air to the roots though!