Phal inflorescence - Orchid Board

Helen · #1 04-27-2007, 08:45 PM

I looked up novelty phals to see what they were.
I don't understand the following statement in regards to novelty phals.

Quote:

Do not cut back inflorescence because this group of phalaenopsis blooms more profusely on both new and old infloresences.

Could someone please clarify this for me? Is there an inflorescense on a spike? I have a feeling this might be a really silly question...but I have to ask

Ross · #2 04-27-2007, 08:48 PM

What they are saying is that if you do NOT cut back the spike, more spikes will develope off of the old spike. Some use the term inflorescence interchangeably with spike.

Lagoon · #3 04-27-2007, 09:02 PM

Ross, Aren't these considered multi -bloomers

Ironwood · #4 04-27-2007, 09:51 PM

Many phals have spikes that are branching.

Helen · #5 04-27-2007, 10:03 PM

Thanks Ross. I'm still trying to find out exactly what novelty phal means. If you could explain in layperson's terms I would appreciate. Again, many thanks. (All I'm getting is that it's not a phal hybrid? - confusing)

Lagoon · #6 04-27-2007, 10:11 PM

Helen,

Novelty phals are hybirds with species backgrounds.

Helen · #7 04-27-2007, 10:28 PM

Okay! well that's simple enough..THank you! They make up a very large group then!

cneos · #8 04-27-2007, 10:33 PM

I thought that a novelty phalaenopsis is one that has several, relatively small (less than 7.5cm ns - 3") borne on branching inflorescence. The black phal would be an example of this as would be Phal Timothy Christopher or any one of the 'novelty' harlequins. Novelties are quite different from what one would consider to be a standard (white like Cygnus).

Helen · #9 04-27-2007, 11:05 PM

This is all I have found on novelty phals so far.

Quote:

Novelty phalaenopsis is referring to hybrids having summer blooming species such as Phal. amboinensis, Phal. violacea etc in the background. This phalaenopsis group generally produces smaller, yet colorful, waxy flowers. While lack in size when compared to complex phalaenopsis hybrids with larger flowers, novelty phalaenopsis tend to have pleasant fragrance and flower mostly in the summer months. Do not cut back inflorescence because this group of phalaenopsis blooms more profusely on both new and old infloresences.

Sounds like you too are correct. Looks like two species in particular are highlighted in this article.

smartie2000 · #10 04-28-2007, 12:15 AM

Yea none of the spikes on my phal yu pin pearl has died but it has sent branches.

The star type phals often have branches and do not need to be cut back. They have spikes that continue blooming or sending keikis... I have had a plant with 7 spikes before, though not all in bloom.

Just wait until the spikes brown before you make a cut.