Orchids in Bloom

[camillenad]

How come some
Phals produce 5 spikes out of 1 plant (like this one) and others produce only 1 or 2? what are the factors that affect the number of spikes? what can I do to induce more Spikes on all my other Phals?

[tucker85]

I can't see your picture but I think the difference is usually genetic. Some phal hybrids have a natural tendancey to produce multiple spikes while other crosses almost always produce just one spike.

[zxyqu]

Tucker's right about genetics, but there are also other factors, like health/age/light quality as well that play a large role. The better the plant, the more/better the spikes. Keep them healthy, and they'll treat you well over time.

[camillenad]

Thanks for the feedback, will try to upload a different pic. because i was so impressed with this Phal. never seen a 5 spike before, i thought 3 was the max 1 plant was able to produce..

[Merlyn]

Not to pop your balloon, but there may be more than one plant in the same pot. My P. equestris 'Hana Nguyen' AM/AOS is mature (had it for 6.5 years) and just put out 6 spikes and still has an older one with a keiki ! The catch is that there are at least 2 or 3 other basal keikis on the plant so intertwined that I never have been able to distinguish which one is the mother plant !!!!! Who cares, it's one of my top 10 favs !!!!!

[camillenad]

6 spikes! that must look amazing!

[Merlyn]

Seven, counting the older one with the keiki ! Best pix I could get, hard to frame it with spikes headed every which way !!!

.

[camillenad]

Gorgeous!! it looks so healthy.

[Merlyn]

Thanks, so does YOURS !!! I've only seen those kind of specimen Phals at orchid shows !

[camillenad]

I have no info about it just that its a phal wish i knew more!