Red Phal suggestions?

[RandomGemini]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

I believe that is Taida Salu.

I have bought Taida Salu a few times, but it seems to be a diva for me.

Each time I buy, ALL the flowers drop like crazy within one week or so.

Then, the tips of the spike will continue to add some more buds, nothing like when first bought.

now I'm scared to buy it, but just enjoy the pictures.

Mine has been really happy. Not sure what I'm doing different. Maybe it likes cheap fertilizer? LOL! The blooms have dropped one at a time with age, about like I think should, but I have noticed that the flowers are super sensitive to temperature change. When I moved it to my office, I lost a few blooms because it was too close to the heating vent. Once I moved it, the behavior stopped and it started throwing out buds for me again. I have another Phal in bloom in this spot that seems to enjoy the warmth. So I think this one is just a bit picky.

[palebluedot]

I think I'll order the cornu-cervi f. chattaladae that Naoki and Silje suggested.

Any suggestions on cultivation for this little beauty?

[naoki]

I haven't had mine for a long (and I lost my first one), but it's supposed to be pretty easy.

According to:
Cultivation of Palaenopsis

Within Phal species, medium range temp, and high light. The author of the web page says that he can grow P. cc in light intensity close to Cattleya-level to get year-round flowering.

If you are a purist, you might want to take a look at:
chattaladae.com: Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi fma. chattaladae FAQ
People seems to use f. chattaladae to indicate any red form. Some of them are artificially selected for red, which may not be f. chattaladae in a strict sense.

I got mine from Louisiana Orchid Connection (the one they have now is not tracable to the original plants, though).

[Silje]

I got mine in May 2013 and it's still a small plant so it hasn't flowered yet. It's growing in high light, got light green (but a healthy, fresh green colour with no hint of yellow) leaves. I treat mine as the rest of my phals. Small pot in bark mix and it seems like a pretty easy customer so far.

[palebluedot]

Thanks, naoki and Silje....and everyone.
I found it with spikes at Florida SunCoast (for $45), but will have to wait till they resume shipping out of Florida.
I like the deep burgundy red color...similar to the C. Chocolate Drop 'Kodama' I have. I may still look for a red hybrid, but I didn't know there was a red cornu-cervi out there.

[lepetitmartien]

For cc var. chattaladae I strongly suggest you see it blooming before buying. Some sources all over the world are not reliable on this one.

For redness in another way:

Phalaenopsis Miva Orchidouxdingues 'Folie Douce'

A Michel Vacherot creation, named after a french orchid forum. As most of the mother plants either died or disappeared in the flood that destroyed most of Michel Vacherot GH, they are patiently restarting the mericlone cultivation with the help of orchidouxdingues members owning the plant and some may be available soon hopefully (next year ?)

There's a few red phals obtained in Asia (Taïwan?), but I can't recollect the grex.

[zxyqu]

There aren't many true reds out there. But there have been some really nice ones that get close. I know Sogo Grape has been mentioned and is a stunning red/purple. Ld's bear kings sold by Peter Lin at the moment are a super deep blood red color. The RK-1, RK-4 and Mituo 12 clones are stellar of that cross. Though they are also pricey. There are also some great clones of Phal HP Norton (a tetraploid for those interested). Phal memoria Audrey Mendlen is anothe pretty nice red/purple example.
Some species can also get pretty close. CC chat form as has been said is blood red but some vendors are less than reliable, and other chatt selfings or sib crosses have resulted in better and worse examples. Speciosa (or tetraspis for some ) can also be a great all red flower but it won't likely be all red on all flowers.
Hopefully that's enough to get you started!