General question concerning growing Phaius'

[Paul Mc]

So I have two of them potted in one large plastic pot. One is very mature and I bought it last year in bloom and it has since grown two new growths. The other one was a baby when I bought it in mid-summer last year.

My question revolves around the baby. It did not grow at all this year. It is just sitting there asking me what it's supposed to do, lol... I'm confused why it's not growing when the mature one grew so much. Any ideas or thoughts on why this would happen?

On a side note, I bought one of the baby's for my friend as well. His has grown like crazy since I gave it to him.

[tuvoc]

I don't think it's a good idea to have them both in one pot. The big one is always going to take nutrients, water, and space away from the smaller one.

Kim

[Gin]

I think I would separate them and put the little one in a small pot . How did your friend pot his ?

[Paul Mc]

Thanks for the advice guys. I actually already repotted right after posting - I was starting to wonder the same thing.

My friend put it in a pot by itself.

So being a newbie to phaius', how often do you guys water? I know they need copious amounts of water, but there are several posts on here about root rot as well.

[Bloomin_Aussie]

I do find that Phaius seedlings take some years to decide to grow large. I would still opt for keeping them in separate pots.

Watering frequency will depend on your climate and what medium they are potted in. I use a 50/50 coco-peat and perlite mix which holds a good amount of moisture and I find I don't need to water too often using that. If you are using a bark-based mix you may need to water more. Simply put, water enough to stop the roots from getting dry.

[fotofashion]

I water mine whenever I am in the GH and think about it. Of course, mine has 6 pseudobulbs and 8 spikes so it probably needs plenty of water. I will have to repot it this year as the new growths are sitting on the edge of the pot. My primary concern is getting the right potting mix. I think my best move will be to look at the mix it is in now and see if I can duplicate it.
Another concern is putting it in the right size pot. Much bigger a pot is going to get rather heavy but I don't want to divide it as yet. I like the show from so many spikes.
Beverly A.

[pedidiva]

I water mine weekly. In the summer, more frequent waterings--usually 2-3 times/week where I live. I mist daily. I use my finger or a skewer to check moisture of the medium.

It's starting to bloom & is quite lovely. I'm pumped.
Phaius tankervilliae. Beautiful flower, lovely plant.

[fotofashion]

1

[fotofashion]

Here's a pic of my Phaius in the peak of bloom. Unfortunately, it won't be for our local show on the 16th of April.
Beverly A.

[pedidiva]

Beautiful