The spike is all of 1/2 inch long at most. So likely several months if not more!

I suppose orchids will teach one patience. ;)

Hmmmmm. There's no question that this particular Red Cat is not going to have the splash but I find the ruffles fascinating! Being a newbie I'm not sure that ruffles are common among Phals.

Can anyone fill me in on how often Phals have ruffled petals and lips?

Check it out below. Not the splashy pattern but pretty nonetheless!

I don't know how common it is but I think it's pretty common. :scratchhead:

I asked again in the beginner section in hopes that the question might be more visible. I've never seen a ruffled phal but that doesn't mean much. ;)

A number of mine have a very slight ruffle on the petal edges.

I have a white NOID that has some major ruffles. I've had it for at least 5 years and it blooms the same way every year. It's one of my last NOIDs.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...147_Small_.jpg

Oooooo, what a beautiful bloom!

I guess I still have lots to learn. Thanks!

I have two with ruffles of which one is in bloom at the moment:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ion-vnoid1.jpg

Very pretty flowers