Just curious about Phal

[mam]

I have a phal that I have had for two years now. When I bought it, it had two spikes of flowers. Both spikes dried up, and I clipped them back. Last spring it only shot one spike but had two sub-spikes off of the same new spike. These sub-spikes grew all at the same time and the plant probably had 14 or 15 flowers when in full bloom. Although it is growing this spike later than last year, it appears to be doing the same thing. Is there any trick to coaxing a plant to grow multiple spikes? I certainly can't complain about the plant, it was beautiful, but I'm greedy...I'd like more! Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[PhalPal]

Multipkle spikes come from perfect culture and to some degree genetics. If your Phal is blooming for you every year you are doing something right. My solution has always been to buy MORE Phals, then you will have all the spikes you want.

[Celcat]

If it had two spikes, it will probably give another spike again. You just need to be patient. Patience is virtue with orchids, so if you cannot wait for more spikes, I do agree with Phalpal, the best solution is to buy more

[tizzycat]

I think two spikes is pretty good going. The plant will probably only throw out what it can support. Better that it is healthy than struggling.

[argus]

I agree with all the previous answers. Pay attention to good culture, grow healthy plants and roots, and in time you should get two spikes.

[berkeleysgr8]

Mam, consider yourself warned... we tend to encourage one another to buy more and more and more orchids! Like true addicts, we want everyone else to be just as addicted as we are! *smile* Welcome to the site!

[mam]

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement, everyone! I think I am just very impatient this year...mine are usually in full bloom by the end of February. My two originals haven't bloomed, yet, though the spikes are growing. The late bloom and the single spike, just had me wondering if there was something specific I should be doing better. And you are all correct. I'd rather have a healthy plant that does bloom every year than one that is stressed. But, I did convince myself to add three more to my small but growing collection while I wait! I'm afraid I am SERIOUSLY addicted already!

[berkeleysgr8]

I guess the warning came too late! Well, rest assured that we'll be here to encourage you in your new addiction... just when you think your addiction is limited to just one (or maybe a few) different types, someone will post photos of some new, fascinating and gorgeous orchid. Then, we'll encourage you to buy more orchids... and "pushers"... um, I mean fellow members... may even offer to sell you these fabulous new orchids at prices you can't pass up.

[PhalPal]

Berkeley it didn't take you long to figure us out!! Crystal clear.