Oooh, "the first one flowered orchid"

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by Phal grower

I like the "thing". I would rather a normal Phal but still take care of it ok?

I don't know how long you have had it but my first question is - does it re-flower blue ?

[Phal grower]

Never had one but I guess I would try to save it

[WhiteRabbit]

hmmm ... interesting I can't help but wonder what would be the appeal of a single flowered Phal

[The Mutant]

Well, this Phal being a "single flowered" type is definitely a fake since all of them had their spikes cut off above the flower (which means the spike obviously continued), but the size difference between the foliage and the flower is not fake. I agree with WhiteRabbit musings about the appeal of a single flowered Phal, it seems a bit odd.

I'm very set on getting this little guy, not only to survive but to thrive, which is not good since I claimed I wouldn't be emotionally attached to it. I've always had a thing for underdogs and this Phal is definitely one at the moment. It has struck a note somewhere deep in my heart.

I'll re-pot it today and hope it'll start to recover, its such a sad lil' fellow at the moment.

[Fuerte Rav]

I realise this is a very old post but I was just wondering if anybody had an update on their ongoing cultivation/reblooming etc?
Reason? I've just been given a Singolo!!

[signin1234]

Ha :r ofl:

There's a sucker born every minute. No, offense, I'm only kidding and I completely understand the rationale for buying this thing on the cheap.

[Fuerte Rav]

Thanks for responding signin1234. I'm sure my friend thought she was buying me a really nice gift and as she visits my house 2 or 3 times a week I want to do my best to help this orchid thrive.
So, do I treat it just the same as my other Phals? Have others rebloomed these Singolos and if so how do the flowers compare with the lonely one (albeit pretty large, 16cm across) that was on the plant when I received it? My guess is that it will hopefully produce a fairly normal flower spike for a Phal but I don't know if the hormone treatment it probably received will affect the plant long term.
Anyone able to input from experience?

[neophyte]

I doubt the hormone treatment affects the plant in the long term. Plants have much more plastic/indeterminate growth than us and are subject to hormonal changes constantly (well, we are too, but human hormones that affect growth have more long-term impacts). Although this spike may have developed strangely, future spikes should turn out normal.

[Fuerte Rav]

Thanks Neophyte, that's what I had hoped but I honestly had no idea what might happen. Think triffids

[Fuerte Rav]

Update on my Singolo.

The plant developed crown rot but kept 2 leaves and some pretty tough thick roots. It's just been hanging in there for a few months but a couple of days ago when I watered it I discovered a new bloom growth developing from the old spike. I'd have preferred a basal growth but I'll take anything at this stage. I showed the friend who bought it for me and she didn't even notice the crown rot but was delighted that it's on it's way to blooming again. Even if this is it's last performance my friend feels her money was well spent as it's reblooming!




I'll update again when, hopefully, a flower opens.