Question about phal spikes?

[greenpassion]

Hi all. I was just at the grocery store and as usual there's a ton of phalaenopsis orchids there. They also have some smaller ones and one of these little guys has 3 spikes, and it's budded and everything. It was so so tempting to buy it, but I refrained as I am so out of room at my house. But I can't stop thinking about this little guy and the three budded spikes. So my question is if a phal has double or triple spikes will it always throw double or triple spikes? Or can a triple spiked phal next time Bloom with only one?

[estación seca]

A well-grown, mature Phalaenopsis often has multiple spikes. The great majority of Phals sold in markets and florists are first time blooming plants, so we are not as accustomed to multiple spikes. Most, or all, of the Phals you have now should do this in due time.

The warm growers with more star-shaped flowers and very shiny green leaves normally retain flowering stems for many years, and make more and more over time.

When they offset from the base, and the grower leaves them together, you can get a huge plant with an enormous number of spikes. Don't break up your Phals!

[greenpassion]

That is good to hear! I still might go pick up that little 3 spiked guy from the grocery store!

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by greenpassion

That is good to hear! I still might go pick up that little 3 spiked guy from the grocery store!

If it is small and blooming, it also may have parentage that keeps it that way. Phal. equestris makes lots of flowers (fairly small) , on branching spikes, on very small plants... that species is used a lot in breeding the mini-Phals. These may also pop out more flowers at the ends of the spikes as the older ones fade. What's not to love? Small, lots of flowers... and then more flowers.

[greenpassion]

Okay. I've made up my mind I'm going to go get it! And keep my eye out for an Equestris too!!

[jkofferdahl]

Everyone should have an equestris in their Phal collection. My problem is I'm unable to stop at one.

[MattWoelfsen]

You will probably need to order Phal equestris over the Internet or on eBay. I don't have this plant but I think the flowers are fragrant.

[fishmom]

I have Phal. fasciata, which also has multiple spikes which bloom over years. Mild fragrance. Very satisfactory!

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

You will probably need to order Phal equestris over the Internet or on eBay. I don't have this plant but I think the flowers are fragrant.

I've never had a fragrant equestris.

[greenpassion]

OMG!You guys are truely skilled enablers! I have no "off switch" when it comes to buying phals- one is never enough, and ' too many ' doesn't exist!!