Phal Bellina var Alba (supposedly?)

[Lady Meera]

I bought this at the North Jersey Orchid Show over the winter. I don't remember the vendor's name and it's not on the tag. This is supposed to be a Bellina var Alba but I am concerned because of how long the spike is. The photos I have seen of Bellinas have very short spikes with single sequential flowers. This looks like a standard phal spike to me. Also, the foliage does not look like the big broad leaves most Bellinas have. I am worried I was mislead. There was a spike started when I bought it but it stalled. It then produced the long one.

Is it normal for a Bellina v. Alba to look like this?

(Ps. Sorry about the sideways photo)

[dangerouseddy]

your right most violaceas and bellinas don't have long flower spikes.

violacea var. Mentawai has long flower spikes but they don't look like that one afaik.

I think you might be disappointed when it flowers but I could be wrong. maybe a more experienced grower will post an answer soon.

[No-Pro-mwa]

I can't help as I have never seen one in person. I hope your not disappointed when it blooms.

[Lady Meera]

The two newest buds have blasted on this plant. I found a few red mites on it so I'm guessing that's why. I've removed the mites and isolated the plant and I think I got to it early enough. There is still one bud left. Fingers crossed for that one, otherwise it will be a while until I know what this phal actually is

[No-Pro-mwa]

That's to bad.

[Lady Meera]

Originally Posted by No-Pro-mwa

That's to bad.

Thanks. The final bud is now gone. I'm pretty bummed that I won't get to see its flowers this year but I've learned that growing orchids is an exercise in patience, so I will wait and hope for the next spike

[chrisc147]

That doesn't look like a Phalaenopsis bellina at all. The leaves on bellina are more of a flat circlish shape and are fairly shiny naturally. And yes the spikes of bellina are consequently short. I would try to look back at the vendor list for the show and see if you can figure out who this came from because it looks like you have a Phal. hybrid instead of the species bellina.

[Lady Meera]

Thank you, I agree. I was hoping to get some blooms to confirm. I will look into figuring out who the vendor was.

[Lady Meera]

This orchid finally bloomed. Any idea what it is? It's not fragrant.

[bethmarie]

It looks like Phal. amabilis to me. Google that one and see what you think.