Phal with tiny flower spike

[marcoeverard]

This Noid phal has got a tiny flower spike with only one flower. It flowered normally last year and all of my other phals are putting out normal sized spikes. Does anyone have any idea why this one is doing this? Otherwise it seems to very very healthy with good leaf and root growth.

[RosieC]

No, I've had ones do that but they have always been ones I know are having problems. Yours does look healthy from what I can see

[marcoeverard]

Yes the new leaf is really big and healthy looking.

[MattWoelfsen]

Originally Posted by marcoeverard

This Noid phal has got a tiny flower spike with only one flower. It flowered normally last year and all of my other phals are putting out normal sized spikes. Does anyone have any idea why this one is doing this? Otherwise it seems to very very healthy with good leaf and root growth.

Two of my phals have the same growth that you have pictured. When I got these plants last year they were massively bloomed. During last year's growing season both plants produced new roots and a new leaf. In the fall of last year the plants started to spike but the spikes were very weak. When they bloomed this past spring, it was one very spectacular flower. I surmised that these plants were so exhausted from being forced into bloom, they didn't have enough energy to put on the same show this year. This year, both plants are producing beautiful roots and a leaf. I'm hoping my theory proves true. I have Apple trees in my garden. One year they produce a bumper crop of fruit but the next year not so much. I'm thinking same with phals.

[james mickelso]

Good answer Matt. Yes it could be that thwere was not enough energy at the time this flower inflorescence was initiated. Some of my phals through the years have done the same. It could be genetic also. There are so many hybrids around. A recessive gene could cause it from time to time. The plant looks to be in very good shape. I wouldn't worry too much about it. If it happens again then I would suspect a genetic problem. Many orchids express this from time to time.