Hi fellow orchidgeeks,
I wanted to let you know
I made it to Santa Barbara!!! It was smaller than I expected but lovely (held outside). I picked up a beautiful Phal and have attached pictures (I have a new respect for you photographers, it's hard to get a good pic). I have been looking and looking for a white phal with a pink lip and finally found it. I love it. It's leaf and root system is pretty amazing. It has three leaves from previous growths and 5 leaves above the current spike. It's interesting as it looks to be potted in bark with coconut husk? The mixture definitely seems to retain more water than my bark/perlite/charcoal current mix and I really wish I had thought to ask the grower. Duh!
My new question is: I have never seen a phal this tall. I have read that people usually "top" phals when they get really tall but really don't know how this would be done and if it is suggested. I quite like the messy crazy look of it now but if the plant is suffering I will definitely take your advice.
I also posted a pic of a "Bllra. Capitola Sunrise 'Pacific Starlite'" that I picked up about a month ago when I needed a trip to the Orchid Dr. (there is a local orchid store that I really like and go to whenever I need a "fix"). My other phals are growing new leaves. I can't wait to actually see spikes come up, fingers crossed!! Thanks for your continued advice on this forum. Sorry the pics are out of order.
orchidgeek in training
