Questions about Phal. amboinensis

[palebluedot]

I'm thinking of ordering Phal. amboinensis var. flava 'Canary' from Norman's and I had a couple questions.

First, can it be grown in a regular (plastic) pot? I've read that due to its pendant leaves that a pot was not suitable.

Second, what does it smell like and is the fragrance or odor pleasant or unpleasant?

Thanks for any insights!

[VMStearns]

I'm no expert, but I did a bit of research and found at least two examples of the Phal. amboinensis var. flava 'Canary' in pots.

check out this thread on the orchid board: phal amboinensis that includes a picture of the "Canary" orchid in a pot.

I have no idea about the scent.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I wouldn't say that they are unsuited for growing in pots, but the leaves do become pendulous, (leaf tips point downwards).

Just don't expect them to grow upright.

With Phals, I don't think you need to really worry about the flower smelling bad. I believe that these are fruit fly pollinated. Should they really be fruit fly pollinated, (like Phal bellina is), then the flowers should have a sweet smell resembling that of over ripe fruits.

When I mention fruit fly, I'm not referring to Drosophila melanogaster or Drosophila hydei. They would most likely be fruit flies in the genus Bactrocera or something else of similar size.

[quiltergal]

I would order it from somewhere other than Normans if possible. Check out their feedback in the vendor section.

[palebluedot]

Thank you all for the info!

[Bud]

Phalaenopsis are sold usually in plastic pots....sometimes they are sold mounted. If it is large and heavy then they are mailed to you bare root to save on mailing costs....Phalaenopsis sold from abroad are also bare root for sanitary reasons.
Grow the plant in whatever pot you inherited it in....and if the media is rotting then repot with fresh mix.
Phal. amboinensis is very sweetly and pleasantly fragrant.

[palebluedot]

Very good to hear, Bud! Thank you.