Phaius tankervilliae

[RJSquirrel]

this was what it looked like with 2 spikes not too long ago. I planted the spikes in sand like they said after it was done bec they grow new ones from it. I think they rotted cus I dont see nothing but purple goop

I put the plant outside with the cymbidiums so he has orchid buddies

Today I checked and he has 2 spikes growing at the base now!!! woot!!!!

Now for the noob question how long does it take for these to grow out into blooms?

Not that it makes any difference but I am curious




here he is with his new freinds

[Bloomin_Aussie]

Probably a month or so yet.
BTW, I would opt for a more shady position. You'll find the foliage will go yellow if it is kept in bright light. If the light is bright enough for Cymbidiums it is too bright for Phaius.

[Paul Mc]

Mine started spiking just before Christmas and they finally bloomed in early April. They can take quite a long time.

Given the time of year, are you sure they are flower spikes as opposed to new growth? Every year, they shed the current growth and replace it with new offsets. So it doesn't take long for one to multiply into many. That being said, be sure you allow sufficient room in whatever pot you use as they do not like to be moved once they are planted/potted.

If you could post a picture of the spike you are referring to that might be helpful. I hate to say it but I somehow doubt that this late in the year it's actually a bloom spike. I could be wrong though! Here's to hoping I am wrong!

[Ray]

Mine went out of bloom (in the greenhouse) more than a month ago.

I have had success growing plants from the flower spike using the following method:

1. Cut the spike evenly between nodes.
2. Let the ends dry for a couple of days.
3. Nestle them - flat - into the surface of moist sphagnum, keeping about 50% of the pieces exposed.
4. Keep the moss damp, and in a few weeks, you will see growth that eventually has sufficient roots to remove from the moss and plant.

[RJSquirrel]

thanks you!! They arent spikes, but 4 new growths . I can see them more clearly now . Moved to a more shady spot. I was feeling good about this one til I saw a Monster phaius. Indeed they multiply fast.

I try the spike trick again maybe If I get spikes ya know. I learn so much I dont know what to do with it all.

[fotofashion]

RJ: My Phaius t. is in almost full sun. It had 8 flower spikes this year, up from 6 last year. It desperately needs repotting as it is hanging over the edge of the pot. We were told at the last HOS meeting by Ted that Phaius should be planted in duff. I have got to get busy and look around my many trees to see if I can scratch up some for this plant and my other Phaius, too.
PS: My plant gets watered almost every day and really looks nice. I took it to the HOS meeting a couple of months ago but, frankly, it was a bit past its prime.
General question to someone who knows more than I do: My Phaius' stalks have seed pods on them. Am I retarding the plant by leaving the pods?
Beverly A.

[RJSquirrel]

Im not sure what this phaius is planted in but it seems to be to me ground coco husks..wont hold water but stays wet..water it everyday now indeed..its very damn hot out back in my rubble pile. I pushed it back some as I have noticed the sun takes longer to pass my safe line .. and its not safe anymore.full east sun till around 12 is what its been getting and the leaves are like cardboard..that has to be good. The same sun burnt some Catts and BLCs. here he is down in the corner..get a better picture of him tomorrow. I have to move my rocks around anyway sometimes just bec I can