Mini Phal.?

[pikevi]

I bought this Phal. thinking it is a 'mini' type. It spiked a few weeks ago but the buds dropped off. Then a 'sub' spike appeared and it flowered- just one flower .

The flower looks like what tom499 posted elsewhere. Could this be a mutation as well?.

The plant itself is small which led me to believe iit could be a mini. After looking at the flower I wonder if the orchid is more a 'dwarf' than a mini. Is 'dwarfism' seen in orchids?

Thanks.

[kmarch]

What's the cross?

[pikevi]

I am sorry, kmarch.

It did not come with a tag.

[kmarch]

If there's no tag it will be difficult to tell what the parents were and therefore difficult to tell if it is supposed to be a true mini or if it is stunted. It's good that it bloomed for you, if nothing else it likes its conditions. Let's see if it stays small now that we know for sure the culture is basically good.

[pikevi]

Thanks kmarch.

Almost all Phals seem to like the mix I use.

I will get a picture of a comparable Phal . along with this one later today.

[pikevi]

I attach two photos for comparison. Both orchids are in the same mix and have 6 leaves each.The second 'regular' Phal. is spiking just about a month after the old spike dropped its flowers.

I hope it helps.

What should I look for in identifying a mini if they are not tagged? I mean just from the appearence. As you already know I try to get those which are dilapidated and about to be discarded. And such orchids rarely have any tags intact.

I am going to drop by a few garden centres today .

Thanks.

[flowerchild]

pikevi: what mix are you using for your phals?

[pikevi]

flowerchild: Please check the thread 'Phal: repotting' ( I am sorry I could not link the thread to this one )

The mix: coconut husk chips, fir bark, coir, perlite, charcoal and sphagnum moss. The 1st two make up about 75-80 % of the mix

[flowerchild]

Originally Posted by pikevi

flowerchild: Please check the thread 'Phal: repotting' ( I am sorry I could not link the thread to this one )

The mix: coconut husk chips, fir bark, coir, perlite, charcoal and sphagnum moss. The 1st two make up about 75-80 % of the mix

Good to know as my phals are not doing as well as your's, they are however putting out new leaves, so maybe there is hope yet!!! The one larger phal flowered around new year's so maybe that will be the case again eh?

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

since Phals bloom very young, you may find that the plant will get larger with time. After a couple of years, you will know if it is a compact Phal.