NEW Phal's and new problems - Orchid Board

Orchidophile · #1 04-10-2008, 03:26 PM

So I scoured every place I know carries orchids in Sandusky, Ohio. I was saerching for some cheap Phal's, one for my mom and the other for me to do a little project

. The first one I found at Lowes, it is a NOID but it stood out from the rest with such small blooms (1 1/2") and the entire plant is very healthy, it looks like it might have some Phal. equestris in it. There was another really interesting Phal. there called 'juanita' (I think) but as I picked it up and examined it for a second then placed it back on the shelf I noticed a very large jumping spider

RIGHT WHERE MY HAND WAS!!!

so I was like OMG did it bite meee!!!

...ok, back to the Phal's.

My second purchase was at a family owned greenhouse that I go to often for perrenials. This was the only phal. that had a name there and I don't think I have seen one like bloom like this before, so I got it for $15. I knew the roots were in bad shape but I figured I could save this. I was wondering if I should cut the two large spikes off and leave the little one. I figured it might produce roots instead of flowers if I cut them off.

Phal. 'Earth Star' (Phal. Abed-Nego 'Pine Ridge#1')

Blondie · #2 04-10-2008, 04:28 PM

You are probably right to cut off the spikes but WOW aren't they neat looking? Can you try to keep it alive with water and love for a few weeks before hacking? It might perk up a bit??

But then again, we need someone with more experience to really confirm, so I shall wait.

Waiting....

Orchidophile · #3 04-10-2008, 05:42 PM

I would like to see it perk up and bloom more but I would also like to have those roots grow. I read somewhere that it is a Doritis cross, so would it like more of a terrestrial mix than a Phal.?

Ross · #4 04-10-2008, 05:49 PM

I would never put any Phal in an earth type mix (for instance, something a Cymbidium might like). As far as I have known, Phals are basically epiphytes and in nature grow on trees.

Royal · #5 04-10-2008, 05:49 PM

Good score! Is the second one for your secret project? If it's just for you, why not leave the spikes. If you are planning doing something crazy or stressful, then cut em'. I know it's going to happier living with you regardless.

Orchidophile · #6 04-10-2008, 06:04 PM

Ross, I will try it in a airy mix but I was just wondering if it might like more of a Doritis mix. Royal, I will probably cut the two large spikes and leave the little one on but I'm not sure which one I'm going to do the project with.

Blondie · #7 04-10-2008, 06:17 PM

Hmmm... Secret project... hmmmm.....

Orchidophile · #8 04-10-2008, 06:26 PM

oh come on now, my super secret project that I have been planning for months isn't going to be that big of a deal. Actually I don't think it is a good Idea but I'm still going to do it.