over zealous Phal.

[pikevi]

This phal. is really a winner, I think. It has 10 leaves, with one (accidentally) broken leaf, one (11th) coming out, one keiki (which grew so fast in the last 6 weeks), lots of roots going up, down and sideways and to top it all off is ,possibly, spiking(?).

Photos are attached .

[Vivienne]

That deserves a Holy Worm Tea pikevi!!! You didn't put it on steroids did you? LOL Nice growing!!
Keep us posted.

[mayres]

Yep! That is a spike alright. Whatever you are doing - KEEP DOING IT! Good job. mike

[m3phist023]

No kidding, what are you doing, exactly? All of the phals I've had have been decidedly under-zealous. Everything else I have likes me (paphs, dens, oncidium hybrids, stanhopea, etc.), but phals don't....

[pikevi]

I think it is just beginner's luck!

Unless.. the orchids and I communicate well and they respond to my 'will'!!!. I think it is about time I visit a friend: a psychiatrist.:
(

The only thing that I do a bit differently is that I don't let the media dry out between watering. The rest is as the experts recommend here.

I hope your Phals. will turn around,m3phist023.

Good luck.

[pikevi]

The keiki has grown to more than 15cm. I was hoping to remove it when I see some roots peek out through the bottom of the mesh that holds the mix.

The leaves have grown fairly big even though this keiki won't hurt the mother. Its weight is well distributed on to the stilt that holds it.

Can I wait a little longer to see the roots come out or is it about time I separate it from the mother?

Thanks.

[Miki]

Wow! Congrats pikevi! That is one monster phal! Please share photos of the blooms later!
What is your potting mix? Are you also growing under lights?
I don't know much about the keiki. I am still waiting to see one on my phals!

[evagentry]

my ,this keike of yours grew so quickly, good care always shows doesnt it!

[pikevi]

Thanks Miki.

Yes, evagentry. I think it grew rapidly after it was wrapped in the mix. At least it appears to be so. It could just be in my mind

[tom499]

*X-files music in background*


Did you say the newest leaf had snapped? And if so is there a new leaf coming?

A phal I was given, two plants in one pot, one of them had the newest leaf broken (or cut maybe ). the plant with a healthy new leaf grow more leaves.

While the plant with the cut leaf didnt grow anymore leaves, but is just flowering and flowering and flowering...

I'm wondering if its a tactic to get more flowers by growers?

[pikevi]

No tom499. One leaf broke a while back, maybe in april. I am not sure. It has grown many leaves after that. Along with a keiki, spike and many roots, one can see a new leaf (11th, I believe) coming out in the last pictures.

I also doubt that growers would intentionally break a leaf.

I think I have another Phal. that wants to follow the course of this Phal. It is growing to be a 'giant' too. I will post pictures soon.

[tizzycat]

Here's to being overzealous if those are the results.

[pikevi]

Cheers!!!!

[pikevi]

Finally I see one root emerging from the medium around the keiki.

Is it time to remove it or let it grow more roots?

Thanks.