Phalaenopsis (?)

[pikevi]

I found this orchid ( labeled Phal. * Maria Eva, to the best of my recollection). The flowers had a deep red hue with white tips. The flowers were very shiny and leathery. very thick petals.

Is it a rare one? There was only one of its kind in a batch of about 50. It was priced at $29.99CAD.

If it is worth buying it I will see if it is still available and buy it.( though I have decided not to buy any more Phals.

Thanks.

[kmarch]

pikevi,

The orchid "worth buying" is an orchid you find attractive, that is in good health, and that you will be able to provide the right care for.

the plant in the pic is what we call a harlequin phal and has been becoming increasingly populat in the last 5-7 years. They require the same care as typical Phals. Harlequin Phals are not particularly rare although they re relatively new to the mass market.

If you like it and can take care of it, I'd say buy it. But then again I don't have much of a resistance to buying orchids...

[mayres]

Not buy any more phals? What would ever possess you to say such a thing? Now that I have about 35 of them my position is don't buy any more rescue phals (my original weakness) and now I've revised that to don't buy any "run of the mill" white, pink or maroon phals. In spite of making resolutions I find an occasional stray finds its way into our family. If you are really serious about "no more phals" the only REAL solution is DON'T GO LOOK ANY ANY OF THEM THAT ARE FOR SALE.........EVER........
mike

[pikevi]

Thank you kmarch and mayres

It was a very attractive spike.

What I meant by 'worth' is if it was rare or a genetic aberration.

I have about 20 phals, I think. The reason I decided NOT to buy them is that they look so attractive at the garden centres and after buying them I find that I already have them in my collection, though slightly varied. . If something is unique , I will definitely buy it.

I would have bought this one if I had not spent all my money on about 20 other orchids last friday

I will see if it is available today.

[kmarch]

pikevi, it is neither rare nor an aborration but interesting and appealing none the less. I remember 6-7 years ago when we first started seeing these at shows. They had strange shapes (e.g. bad form) and strange markings (at least none we'd seen the likes of before). Now the breeders have solved many of the form problems with them, many are nice and flat now, and we've become accustomed to the in-your-face blotches. Many of them are quite nice now.

[chefatplay]

Pikevi, I'm amazed you were able to walk away from this one. I know I couldn't have. I think it's beautiful. My latest phal, is a lot like that one in petal thickness, etc. Mine is yellowy green with big splotches of maroon. It's great.

[sandra]

Originally Posted by mayres

the only REAL solution is DON'T GO LOOK ANY ANY OF THEM THAT ARE FOR SALE.........EVER........
mike

I tried applying this and in theory, sounds great. The problem is that they find me. I've set limits for myself to only give in to the spotted/freckled phals; those are just too irresistible.

pikevi, if you're thinking about it because you really liked the plant and you've got the room, well...........? I slap myself everytime I pass one up I've gone back for only to find it gone by then.

[charleyismydog]

I think that if you think it's pretty then it's definitely worth it. If it helps, I think it's pretty!

[Buttercup]

Hi Pikevi,
I am a sucker for phals too. They are just so pretty and rewarding. I do not think I could have passed that up. I am waiting for the perfect vibrant pink phal but haven't come across it yet. Something to look forward to.
~Lucy

[PhalPal]

Pikevi - I think it is a beautiful phal and a bit unusual adding to it's appeal. I find that the waxy leaves last a very long time. I totally agree with Mike - if you don't want any more orchids DON'T LOOK!! I have been looking for a yellow phal for a few months now and in doing so have acquired five anything-but-yellow phals. Of course it doesn't help when they are in grocery stores, drug stores, home depot.....not easy to avoid.

[pikevi]

Well, It is gone

I hope I will see one like that again soon.

Thanks everyone for the recommendation.

[sandra]

Absence makes the heart grow fonder....

The next one you find will be even more beautiful pikevi.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by pikevi

Well, It is gone
I hope I will see one like that again soon.

Take heart, harlequin Phals are popular these days and I'm sure you'll see more of them in due time. You might even find one you like more. I've seen some white with maroon spots and yellow-gold with maroon spots veyr attractive colours.

[BillC]

Originally Posted by sandra

Absence makes the heart grow fonder....

The next one you find will be even more beautiful pikevi.

Sandra, I always think that 'Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder'

Bill

[pikevi]

Thanks everyone.

As sandra said I am already missing it. Usually I'd have bought it but I had had spent quite a tidy sum on many orchids just two days prior, and hence I was reluctant

kmarch: Is this harlequin orchid?. I bought this a few months ago but the petals are not as thick and rubbery as the one I missed: but they are very shiny.

[fred]

awesomw pikevi
just stunning