Just "Phal"?

[Koala]

I bought this today after a few weeks of debating whether or not to start this addiction. I've decided its healthier than many other vices out there. Anyway, will it remain just Phal or does it have a longer name? All those scientific titles get me lost. I'm sure after some time getting use to the terms of Orchid growing I'll be better at IDing plants but in the meantime, does this have a longer name?
And how old would you say it is? It seems fairly large doesn't it? In case the pictures aren't that great theres 8 leaves, 2 spikes and both spikes branch at least 3 times.
I was reading a thread under "will I ever learn" or something like that, and it recommends repotting just to be sure everything's all good with the roots. About how long would you say I can leave it like it is? I will be going out and buying new potting material as soon as I decide what I would like to use, but I dont want to take any chances with my new 'chid. Thanks in advance for all the help I'm sure to get from everyone.

[Plucky Purcell]

The full genus name is Phalaenopsis (fal-en-OP-sis). Who knows what the actual species is. Beautiful plant, though.

The sphagnum moss your plant is in looks ok from here. If your worried about it, wait until it's done flowering then repot

[Hummer344]

if the plant is rooted in sphagnum moss be very careful with your watering routine. IMHO, I would take out of the sphag and re-pot it in a bark mix. I don't like sphag and think it leads to more root rot then its worth.

[patticake]

I agree with Hummer...I also agree with Plucky Purcell that you can't really ID it more than Phalaenopsis. I'm pretty sure that it's a hybrid but there's no way of really knowing, since there are so many hybrids that look alike. It will be a Phalaenopsis NOID (no-ID) About 1/4 of my collection are noids. The only reason you really need an ID is if you're going to hybridize with it, or show it for an award. For now, just enjoy it! It's beautiful!!!
Here's a link AOS | Phalaenopsis
and one more...
http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/new...f-orchids.html

[myorchid]

It is a beautiful flower! I would also take it out and repot it. I don't do well with sphagnum moss in my area so I repot my Phals in a bark mix or hydroponics.

That works well for me. Maybe some of the other Florida growers can chime in with what works for them.

Welcome to the addiction!!! LOL!!

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by Koala

I bought this today after a few weeks of debating whether or not to start this addiction.

Oh Good! You'
ve made a great first choice and do't worry we'll be here to guide you through yur first orchid. Read those Phalaenopsis culture sheets and be sure to ask if you have any questions.

Originally Posted by Koala

I've decided its healthier than many other vices out there.

You got that right!

Originally Posted by Koala

Anyway, will it remain just Phal or does it have a longer name? All those scientific titles get me lost. I'm sure after some time getting use to the terms of Orchid growing I'll be better at IDing plants but in the meantime, does this have a longer name?

Originally Posted by Plucky Purcell

Who knows what the actual species is.

It should have a tag that gives the name, more than just Phalaenopsis. It's a hybrid, not a species and hybrid names are easier than species names.

Originally Posted by Koala

And how old would you say it is? It seems fairly large doesn't it?

I think it looks like it is about 2 or 3 or so years old. It takes phals anywhere form only about 6 mnths to 2 or 3 years to reach blooming size once they are taken out fo flask. It is quite typical in size for a phal.

Enjoy your new phal! It's STUNNING!!!

[solay]

Good for you! Glad you decided to join in with us addicts. Pretty healthy looking Phal. you got. Love it!

[articuno75]

Koala~ I love this Phal and as soon as I seen I was in love. YUMMMMY!!! I seen your pics that you have posted and I noticed the tag in the pot. It's a tag that is used by a Tawanese Orchid Co. called Long Pride. They supply a lot of the "Big Box" stores (ie Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) I found your orchid.


It's called Doritaenopsis Chien Xen Pearl

What really helped was that at my orchid society meeting today I seen it again as one of the members also obtained one. This time I was able to confirm it for sure. You can go to Long Pride's website and see it there as well. I hope this helps.

[Tarad]

Its a beauty I love the color and I live in Wisconsin and cant have
the sphag and repot in bark as soon as I get one home. I am assuming it is different where you live though. Tara