Why do I keep buying Phals?

[shakkai]

... because they are just so darn beautiful!! These two hitched a ride home with me from the supermarket today. At this rate, I'm going to have to get something set up to make the Phals happy!

[Jo Ann]

Oooh….!!! I like that first one...

[kiki-do]

That first one is so different! Very nice. I can't resist these same type hitch hikers either, that stick out their tongues instead of their thumbs. Nice haul! kiki-do

[GreggC]

or ones that my wife buys at our raffle. I have moved on to other things, although I have to admit, I found a very nice deep magenta colored one at the Chicago Botanical Gardens this past year.

[FinnBar]

That first one is just stunning like a sculpture carved out of wax and butter.
and you found that at Tesco?
Lucky you!

[shakkai]

Thanks for looking everyone! I'll have to get a better photo of the second one... the photo above doesn't do it justice.

I really never intend to buy Phals... I went two years with only Pleuros, then one nursery sent a free Phal with an order of Masdies. Then I started noticing some really pretty ones... Thing is my growing environment is much more suited to the Pleuros and other cool growers - which is why I never intentionally get Phals. The only ones I've actually ordered are a couple of miniature species, and my Mini Tony.

and you found that at Tesco?

Sainsbury's actually! My local shop seems to get in some really nice ones quite regularly... and I know that with the way they are potted (tightly packed in sphag with only 1 little drainage hole in the bottom of the plastic pot) they aren't likely to be alive for very long unless I take them home and re-pot them... and so the number of Phals in my house grows!

[Sandy4453]

Those are gorgeous. The first looks like a Sogo Pearl x Golden Peoker, maybe? I've got 2 seedlings growing now like your first one. The Harlequins are probably my favorite Phals.

I know exactly what you mean. When I first started my collection, the Phal. was the last on my list. Their flowers are undeniably beautiful but my attraction to them was slower than with the others. Now....a completely different story.

You've got yourself a bunch of beauties. Enjoy!

[Neverend]

Your title is a really good question, I think I need orchid rehab now....

[shakkai]

Originally Posted by SRF

Those are gorgeous. The first looks like a Sogo Pearl x Golden Peoker, maybe? I've got 2 seedlings growing now like your first one. The Harlequins are probably my favorite Phals.

I know exactly what you mean. When I first started my collection, the Phal. was the last on my list. Their flowers are undeniably beautiful but my attraction to them was slower than with the others. Now....a completely different story.

You've got yourself a bunch of beauties. Enjoy!

Sandy, thanks so much! I'd love to see photos of your seedlings. I think I like the Harlequins best... though I also love the 'sunset' ones...

My reason for staying away from Phals for so long is simply climate - I don't have ideal conditions for them, so they take more work. I'm going to fix that soon!

[quiltergal]

Shakkai, what lovlies! I have one harlequin phal. I nearly killed it moving it to s/h, but it's recovering nicely growing new leaves and roots. It's a Leopard Prince cross.

Love, love, love the sunset shades too. That one you have is a beauty. Now you just need a blue one! LOL