| Age of the plant can also be a factor. Most of the plants one buys are often on only their first or second blooming. Orchids are VERY long-lived, if cared for well, and being five or so years old is tantamount to being pubescent. Old enough to bloom (reproduce), but not nearly an adult. When it's getting on ten years, a Phal is getting mature. They will often hold more leaves and produce several or very large inflorescences. I've some friends up in North Texas and Louisiana that grow huge, fat phals in their--very old--greenhouses. One man is a breeder and his stud house is amazing. The plants are enormous. Fat, thick leaves, long and wide and shiny. And to see hem in bloom....
-Cj |