Mini phal care

[tsun1108]

I believe I am lucky that I found this garden centre that sells not only healthy but cheap orchids! (1/3 of price comparing to other garden centres)

So I bought these two mini phal (rapidly expanding my orchid collection from 1 to 9 within 3 months....)

They are planted in a mixture of bark / something else ? - I can see through the clear pots that the roots are fat and green. I presume the care would be same for the standard sized phal?

I am planning to repot after they are done with flowering although what I am not sure about is whether you will need smaller sized bark?

Also has anyone heard of these ones? Both had ID
- The pink one is called Phal Anthura Manchester (Pink) - I can find this one on RHS registry but no parentage?
- The white one is called Phal Soft Cloud - this one I cannot find on RHS website.

[cbuchman]

I looked in OrchidWiz and the Anthura Manchester parentage is listed as both parent unknown there. Phal Soft Cloud isn't in OrchidWiz, so I suspect it is not yet registered or is a trade name. Pretty none the less!

Yes care is the same as for standard phals.

[NYCorchidman]

Wow~ that white phal has so many little flowers!

I find the mini phals a bit more sensitive. or just the ones I've tried.

[tsun1108]

Yes the white one is one of my proud bargain... cost me NZD$9 (so about USD $7?)

Comes with 2 spikes, plenty of flowers and few more buds yet to open. Luckily no bud blast!

[Wild Orchid]

Originally Posted by tsun1108

They are planted in a mixture of bark / something else ? - I can see through the clear pots that the roots are fat and green. I presume the care would be same for the standard sized phal?
.

I'm not sure if it's just a photo effect but it looks to me as like they are potted in soil? The roots look healthy but their color - bright green - suggests they are wet.

I'd investigate the situation and possibly change the media before it's too late. Also, Phals like the smallest container possible to accomodate the roots as well as lots of air to allow roots to dry. For that reasons, I'd avoid placing them inside another plastic pot or container as on the 1st picture.

My concern would be also that these two pots might be a bit too large for the rootball size.

Hopefully others would chime in.

Beautiful minis!

Lilia

[tsun1108]

It's definitely in loose bark - sorry for the crappy photograph using iPhone

And I have only just watered them before taking the photos that's why they are bright green in colour - I have been waiting till the roots turned silvery-green before watering.

Also do people not put phal in a decorative container?!

[Wild Orchid]

Originally Posted by tsun1108

It's definitely in loose bark - sorry for the crappy photograph using iPhone

And I have only just watered them before taking the photos that's why they are bright green in colour - I have been waiting till the roots turned silvery-green before watering.

Oh, ok! Good!

WO

[SJF]

Great flowers and roots

[birdybrain]

I've only been into orchids for about 6 months, but I have several of those little phals. I treat them exactly like the bigger phals I have and so far they are doing great, very healthy.

Those two little guys are super cute!