Phal White Dream V3 AS/AOS in Bloom

[BKFSRS]

Just received this Phal White Dream from Hausermann's and it's a gorgeous plant with two spikes and huge blooms. I hope that I can keep it in good shape. I tried to show that the largest flower is 5 inches across. Kind of a strange photo, but the blooms are huge. Also posted a Lc. Firewings Pegasus on the Cattleya forum from the same place.

[tuvoc]

Very nice.

Kim

[Jayfar]

I have this one too (mine came from Waldor) and it's been a very reliable bloomer. When it finishes you may get some sub-spikes and an eventual rebloom. I just cut the end off the main spike after the last blooms die. Mine had bloomed back in the winter and it rebloomed about a week ago on 2 subspikes. As of this morning 6 flowers are open and 4 more buds to go. It's grown very large in the near 3 years I've had it; it now lives in a 5 quart plastic paint bucket, liberally drilled with 1/2" holes on the sides and bottom, in a mix of CHC and charcoal.

[BKFSRS]

Jayfar, How does CHC work for you overall? Just curious since we're in similar climates. I just converted most of my orchids to a CHC mix from repot me. It sounds like it's working for your White Dream!! Thanks

[Jayfar]

Originally Posted by BKFSRS

Jayfar, How does CHC work for you overall? Just curious since we're in similar climates. I just converted most of my orchids to a CHC mix from repot me. It sounds like it's working for your White Dream!! Thanks

I'm now using it only for my larger pots with complex hybrids and mixing it with a generous portion of charcoal. Also note that I'm using slotted plastic pots. I make sure that I soak and drain it several times before use. Some people recommend adding epsom salts and calcium nitrate to the soak to help draw out the harmful salt. FirstRays has the calcium nitrate. I've just been using epsom salts, as I have a big container of that on hand.

I was using CHC more extensively for a while, but found that many Phals weren't liking it at all. Those I've migrated to New Zealand Sphag (with styro peanuts and sometimes charcoal).

[mamasanlzn]

omg. this looks exactly like my white noid phal. even down to the yellow ring and reddish stripes

[RosieC]

Really lovely!