Miniature Phals?

[labyrinth1959]

Is there miniature class of Phals? I ask because I have one that has put out three new leaves in the last two years and none of the leaves are longer than 3-4 inches. It appears healthy otherwise except it has never bloomed which is another curiosity for me.

[Bunch_Of_Roots]

Most Phal hybrids need cool temperature to induce flower spike. If you place your Phal in a place where it could receive 55F for about two weeks, you should expect to see a spike if it receives enough light and fertilizer. When you see a spike, bring the plant to a warmer environment.

As far as I know, any Phals with leaf span less than 6" are considered as miniature.

[bil]

I love mini phals. I think they are better value than the big ones mostly for sheer reblooming.

[PaphMadMan]

In general, any orchid that stays below 6" hieght (or leaf span) excluding flower spike can be considered miniature. Miniature Phal hybrids have become pretty common, often seen among the mass market orchids in grocery stores etc. They result from crosses of smaller species like Phal equestris and others with big classic Phal hybrids, and several generations of selective breeding, and look like small colorful version of the full size ones. Most of them do not need a cool period to induce flowering though, unlike some of the big classic Phal hybrids.

There are also many other miniature Phal species and their hybrids that are not as commonly seen except among specialty hobbyists and growers. It seems less likely you have one of those, but without a name or a picture it is hard to say. Some of them are more particular about conditions to induce flowering.

Without knowing more about the plant you have and what conditions it has been getting it is hard to say why it hasn't flowered for you.

[labyrinth1959]

Do the miniature Phals need a different potting medium or care than regular Phals?

I'm not that concerned about it flowering as I am that it didn't seem to be maturing and began to wonder if there was a different class of Phals.

[bil]

I just use fine bark instead of coarse, and maybe a couple of small balls of sphag moss in there as a water reserve. I don't like the moss mixed evenly in the bark.

[No-Pro-mwa]

I too use a smaller bark for the smaller pots. I do use a mix that has spagh in it.

[gngrhill]

Originally Posted by No-Pro-mwa

I too use a smaller bark for the smaller pots. I do use a mix that has spagh in it.

That's what I use also. I have a bunch of minis and they seem to bloom easier than the big ones. Mine do get a cooler period in fall before we turn the heaters on and they are in an East window, so they get the morning sun and then just light during the day.