Phal bellina bloom duration?

[bottlemarkercup]

When I bought my phal bellina it had one open bloom (and several buds). After a couple days the first bloom withered and fell off, but subsequently another two blooms opened. Now it is preparing to open a third bloom. However, it seems like one of the open blooms is about to wither as well. It has been open for approximately three weeks.

How long should I expect phal bellina flowers to last? I thought it would be a bit longer than three weeks. Is that too short?

Also, should I be caring for my blooming phal any differently than regular? More fertilizer? More frequent watering (currently every 3-4 days when the medium is dry).

Thanks!

[dangerouseddy]

3 weeks seems about right for a bellina flower.

[j_orchids]

Hello, I'm a novice too, but my understanding is that the "general" advice is to cut off fertilizer when in bloom.

I have had hybrid Phals that lost all or almost all of there buds and flowers when received. I have heard this can be due to "transport shock" or shock from the change in environmental conditions from the nursery to my growing area.

[Joseia]

I do not change the frequency of watering or the amount of fertilizer they get while in bloom.

[peterlin]

Phalaenopsis bellina blooms sequentially. Individual flower last for 2-3 weeks depending on the environment.

[Manu]

My bellina flowers last for 30 days, but 3 weeks is in the norm. Nothing to worry about!

I wouldn't suggest modifying your watering or fertilizing habits for a blooming plant.

[jkofferdahl]

That Peter chimed in is wonderful. What Peter says about Phals is going to be right. Sequential bloomed do tend to keep individual flowers for a shorter period. In so far as watering is concerned, you're fine. However, excess fertilizer will, if anything, harm the bloom cycle, and so a lot of growers stop fertilizing when a Phal spikes, and withhold fertilizer while in bloom. I use a steady, extremely low dose of fertilizer year-round.