Wasn't expecting this!

[Vivienne]

I purchased a not-in-bloom Phal back in Feb 08 because the spikes hadn't been cut and showed a bit of promise of continued blooms. I'm a big believer that if it hasn't browned and dried up... don't cut it! Anyways... those 'end of the spike blooms' did not develop... however it did develop a lower branch of buds. YIPPEE! The remaining spikes still look exactly like they did back in February.

And now look what I just found! A brand new spike!! How abnormal is that??

Pic #1 is the existing spikes with the new lower branch being the one on the bottom left.
Pic #2 is the same plant with a brand new spike.

[beba53]

Thank you for letting me know in time. The flowes have died and I was going to
remove the spike, BUT NOW.....let nature take its course...thank you for the
imput

[11Orchid126]

What's the name of the phal? Baldan's Kaleidoscope branches a lot, and I love it.

[Vivienne]

Not sure the name... I think (based on similar plants at the store) that it is Phal. New Gold. I'm not surprised by the branch, was hoping for that, I am surprised by the all new spike coming in!

[kid a]

Yay!!! Thats so exciting vivi! Good job!

[tizzycat]

I see what you're saying Vivienne, a new spike so soon is an absolute bonus. Congratulations.

[solay]

Wow! That's great. Can't wait to see the blooms.

[Vivienne]

me too! There was one faded bloom on it when I purchased. Pale yellow. Can't wait to see it with a fresh bloom.

tizzy - absolute bonus is right!!

[PhalPal]

Vivienne Phals surprise me all the time! They really don't have a very distinct growing season so they are prime suspects for surprises. I had one Phal growing beautiful new roots, a new leaf, flowering spike and a new spike coming. It has two new spikes on it now and I can't wait for it to bloom. It's a Noid as well and I forget what the flowers look like!

Isn't it exciting watching our babies bloom??? Good Growing!

[patlee]

I agree with PhalPal. There is a reason we love phals and it has more to do with surprises than predictability Just when you're ready to give up, it's spike-time!!
Congratulations on your new baby, Vivienne!! She's beautiful and I hope she surprises you with gorgeous blooms

[Vivienne]

THANKS!

Gotta agree with the unpredictability of Phals. I've been hawking all the rest for new spikes (new leaves are not a problem nor are roots). Never thought to check the plant that already had 2 spikes. LOL

[sandra]

Outstanding!

I just noticed yesterday on one of my Phals, Golden Peoker, a spike starting. I'm quite surprised because this is a Winter bloomer. I think it's a spike, not 100% sure yet and definintely not a root... And I'm quite surprised to learn that they would spike unexpectedly, out of season. I just learned something new, again.

[psyc1210]

how exciting!! Can't wait to see the flowers!

[patticake]

How cool, Vivienne!!! I'm so glad that you're getting this little surprise!! You need and deserve a little lift! I've been thinking of you... Hope all is going better for you....
Happy Mothers Day, also!!

[mayres]

I got a white noid phal with pink center at Christmas time with two spikes. The last of the flowers finally faded into the sunset late march and I set about cutting the spikes off - not noticing until I already had cut spikes in hand that they both had about 1" subspikes forming - one spike actually had two. I normally cut my spikes off anyway, which is why I didn't look, but since it was so early in the season (for winter bloomers) I was a little disappointed I didn't pay more attention and see what it might do. Anyways, I repotted and put it "away" for the summer, to rebuild itself and grow lots of healthy roots and more leaves. Last week I was reviewing my phals and lo and behond - like you and Sandra - another spike coming! You just gotta love em.