Phal in bloom since December 15

[PaphLover]

Bought a gorgeous phal in December with multiple branches of flowers that has been in constant bloom since then. It is now growing some new roots and another section of 5 blooms off of one of the top branches. Only a few flowers have died off since purchase.

I have repotted it in bark media from the hard-packed moss it came in without trauma.

Am less concerned now that new roots are growing, but does there come a point when one should worry about over-stressing the plant by having it in constant bloom? What is the longest period that phals can grow/keep blooms?

[tarev]

I had a Phal that bloomed in my care for 6 months, and I got it already with some buds and some open blooms..so may have been going on for 7 months.

Then my mini noid Phal bloomed also for about 4 months, rested but spike still green so I did not cut it off, it then sent out rebloom spike after 2 months..and lasted for another 3 months.

You must be giving them very good care..I'd say just continue to enjoy the show

[PaphLover]

Thanks Tarev. Appreciate the reply.

[james mickelso]

This looks like a very well cared for phal. Let it keep on keepin on. As long as the plant doesn't look stressed (wrinkled leaves, shriveled surface roots, black spotting or discolored edges on the leaves) let it keep flowering. You done very well with this beautiful pahl. Congrats. I have been able to keep some hybrid phals in bloom for 8 mos. A lot depends on it's genetic make up. It's parentage too.

[Lilac]

Whoaaaa! This is news to me! Great news! I hope mine go on for that long also! I knew I was living those Phals more and more

[PaphLover]

Thanks for the compliment, James. Good to know I'm doing something right. And exciting to learn phals can bloom for so long.

[tarev]

That is why I love the Phals..given proper care, blooms lasts so long..sometimes way too long, it already looks artificial..but we all know it is not

But just be ready, after that long bloom show, the plant will take its much desired rest time for several months as well. So when that time comes, you can do the maintenance check it needs, checking the roots, is media still okay etc. etc. etc.

[RosieC]

As long as you don't force it to carry on spiking (cutting the spike just above a node to force a side spike) then it it wants to carry on flowering I would just let it. If it is happy to keep flowering then don't worry about it.