Blooming Phal posponed growth - Orchid Board

Tindomul · #1 08-16-2007, 01:11 PM

Hi all. My Phalaenopsis lobbii is again in spike. I have found two new spikes. This would be the second time in a year since I got it that it has initiated spikes, and would be the third flowering event. I am happy, yes. But worried perhaps at why it will not grow. It has two healthy leaves, but I am worried about it not growing more. Any comments? This is after all a small plant and am worried about it flowering itself to death.

cb977 · #2 08-16-2007, 01:25 PM

Spikes are good, Tin! Be happy

Candice · #3 08-16-2007, 01:50 PM

Tin, I am no expert, but what's the length on your two leafs? Maybe she only wants two leaves right now, and after she flowers she will put out another..!!!???
I don't know if I would be worried, there's been sooooo many small plants that go in spike and flower and their leaf span is only like 6-8"....I can't get my internet to work at home, but otherwise I would take a

of the small phals that have already bloomed, and they are so small you would never think! I am at work so I don't have my camera to upload the

for you to see.
I say if she's in spike, you are doing just fine. Think of how many plants that are in mature size and won't spike?

don't worry.....be happy Tin!!

Tindomul · #4 08-16-2007, 05:18 PM

One leaf is 2 inches and the other is maybe an inch. I am happy. Just thinking too much as always.

cupcake · #5 08-16-2007, 05:50 PM

At that size I would be thinking of cutting off the flower spike and letting the plant build up some strenght! Judi

Ross · #6 08-16-2007, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cupcake

At that size I would be thinking of cutting off the flower spike and letting the plant build up some strenght! Judi

I am TOTALLY in agreement. I resisted responding, because I know so many folks here opt for blooms over foliage, but I am of the school of thought that says "if the plant is growing lots of leaves and roots, it's doing well. If it only grows flowers, well maybe it's on death's door and trying to preserve the species."

Tindomul · #7 08-17-2007, 12:55 AM

It's so hard to kill baby spikes. They are so cute. My first instinct is with Judi and Ross. But I have not yet decided.

dennis · #8 08-17-2007, 05:30 PM

hey tin if it is a true lobbii then it is deciduous or it is suposed to be if exposed to the right temps (cooler). they bloom in the spring and winter. and they like more light than other phals do. and these will not carry alot of leaves like your ordinary hybrids. this species was discoverd in 1845 by thomas lobb and was confused for a long time as a parishii

sapphireeyes27 · #9 08-19-2007, 08:13 AM

Sounds like the poor thing is a bloomin' fool!! ;-) One of my friends who also grows orchids told me that she once had a beautiful phal with three spikes, but the leaves didn't seem to be doing so well. She took it to an orchid nursery for somebody to look at it and tell her why it was flowering when the leaves weren't doing so well. The guy there took one look at it, told her it was a "bloomin' fool" and told her to cut off all the spikes. She said it killed her to do it, but that it was definitely best for the plant. However, every situation is different, and you have to decide what is the right thing for you to do for your own orchid. Good luck at any rate!!

Rachel

Tindomul · #10 08-20-2007, 05:38 PM

Yes, it is the semi-deciduous Phal. lobbii, but I heard that it didn't have to be deciduous when grown in optimal conditions.
Here are some old pics: