BLOOMING SEASON: - Orchid Board

weiss · #1 09-06-2006, 11:40 AM

Can I assume that most primary hybrids bloom in the summer months since the species that they are crossed from mainly are summer bloomers?

Phantasm · #2 09-06-2006, 12:04 PM

The blooming season of primary hybrids will depend on the seasons of the parents, and it could be any time of the year.
For example a primary cross of Sophronitis coccinea x Laelia (Sophronitis) pumila will bloom in the fall/winter.
A cross of Miltoniopsis vexallaria x Miltoniopsis phalaenopsis will bloom in the late spring.
The main summer bloomers are bifoliate cattleyas, miltonias, etc; but the primary blooming seasons for most orchids is spring and fall.

weiss · #3 09-06-2006, 12:42 PM

I'm sorry, I was only referring to Phals? I thought most of the phal. species bloomed in the summer?

Phantasm · #4 09-06-2006, 02:57 PM

For phals, many of the species will bloom in the summer, but there are several that are winter blooming especially the amabilis, equestris, etc
Find a good book on phalaenopsis, search the web and immerse yourself with information. There is a fair amount of variation within the genus, some plants can be decidious in the wild, some can handle cooler temperatures, and others can handle brighter light conditions.

Tindomul · #5 09-06-2006, 04:21 PM

Can you reccomend any good Phal books? I've been trying to find one.

Phantasm · #6 09-06-2006, 06:45 PM

The closest thing to a definitive book on phalaenopsis is Christenson's "Phalaenopsis, a monograph".

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...24946?v=glance

There are some more elementary books like Mary Noble's " you can grow phalaenopsis" but I would suggest the Christenson book if you would like descriptions of all 60 or so species with photos and in depth information.

Oscarman · #7 09-06-2006, 07:29 PM

Thanks Phantasm for the suggestion, I too have been looking for a good book on Phals.

cneos · #8 09-07-2006, 11:50 PM

You will NOT be disappointed by Eric Christenson's monograph. Chapter 10: Cultivation is a must-read for anyone that grows phals.

Tindomul · #9 09-08-2006, 03:27 PM

I was thinking of buying that one, but was turned away from by some bad feedback it got a while ago. I think I'll try it out anyway.

Ray · #10 09-09-2006, 09:46 AM

I think you will find that the larger pink or white phal species tend to be winter bloomers, as they respond to drastic day/night temperature changes to initiate spiking, which is most common in the autumn. Those in the red/orange/yellow range seems to be more summer oriented.

One's growing conditions can definitely affect that...