Is this a Phal?

[dejpep]

Hi guys. I bought this orchid 4 years ago when I was in Florida from an orchid farm. It looks like a Phal to me but it has a little bit a strange structure. Instead of growing bigger it’s growing taller. It is already 3 in. above the pot and it’s another 3 in. inside. It’s growing year around (no resting period) with small leaves in winter and slightly bigger in the summer. It has grown at least 15 leaves since I bought it. But they do not grow bigger but a lot of times they grow smaller. I know that maybe the weak root system is the reason but I don’t understand why the orchid it’s growing taller but not bigger? Never bloomed and is very big challenge. I want to know what kind of flowers will have. Maybe somebody can tell me what kind of orchid is this so I can find out what kind of conditions it needs to flower. Thank you for your help.

[amersault]

definitely a Phal or Doritaenopsis type. dont' worry, taller is part of their monopodial growth habit.

however, this isn't the happiest looking of plants. it's either -

01 lacking in light

02 overwatered

03 both of the above

the plant looks like it's drowning in the medium. how often do you water and where is this situated?

[nenella]

Hi dejpep,
yes it is a Phal. It looks to me like 1) the medium it is potted into is very wet and that is why it's growing 'up wards ' and it's putting out lots of new roots...
2) looks like it had a case of sunburn on the older leaves. You need to repot it in fresh media. There are many posts about re-potting on this forum - I am sure you will get it to bloom!
Good luck !

[tizzycat]

My two pennorth, for what it's worth.

You certainly have a phal. there. For cultivation advice, you should visit the link below.

Having said that. It's difficult to tell, as you have some algae in your pot, but you may be keeping it a little on the wet side.

It also looks as though you are about to lose those bottom leaves and when this happens it may be an option to consider repotting a little lower into some new medium.

Orchid Care for Phalenonopis & Paphiopedilum Orchids

[articuno75]

Hi Dejep!

First off where are you keeping your Phal? With algae and red leaves like that the plant is getting too much light. Almost second to sunburn. I can't tell from the inside of the pot, but when was the last repot? I suggest repotting the Phal and placing in a location that has a less intense exposure to light. This could be the reason why it's not spiking. Also it could be because it's not getting the temperature drops that it needs to set spikes.

I hope this helps.

[dejpep]

Last time I repotted was last summer. In summer it’s growing outside with indirect sunlight and in winter it’s inside. I think the lower leaves look like that because the root system can not support them since there are 9 leaves on it and not much roots. Maybe it’s been over watered. I’ll repot it and I will show you the picture of the roots. Maybe it needs more light. I know that the phals do not need bright light but this one is growing toward the light. Maybe humidity is low, when it’s growing inside the house, but these is nothing I can do about that. All other phals that I have are ready to bloom except this one.
That is why I like orchids, because they are challenge. I wood never get rid of this one even I have to try for another 10 years to make it bloom.

[dejpep]

There it is the whole plant. Once I took it out the pot I can see that the roots are growing only above the medium. But still, even the roots inside the medium did not grow, they did not rot either. There is a sign of a small root staring to grow and something like buds on both sides. I’m not convinced that that is a bud maybe a kiekie. What do you think guys? Here are the pictures.

[amersault]

the roots above the medium certainly look healthier than what was in the medium. the bottom of the plant looks like it's rotting as a result of the overly-wet potting mix.

try potting this in a coarse bark mixture to dry this out. it should prove to have healthier roots after as it will have more air circulation andv the opportunity to drain between waterings.

[articuno75]

I'm still sticking to my guns. Too much water and too much light.

[dejpep]

articuno75, do you think it’s good idea to treat it like a vanda for a month (no medium and regularly submerging in water for 10 min. a day) ?

[articuno75]

No not really. You can still apply the Phal culture for this and increase the airflow to the plant so that the roots don't root. There are a couple of methods to help with root production. One is the spagh-in-bag method. Another is a method that Brooke here on the forum uses.

[kmarch]

dejpep...well in a way, taller is bigger. Phals are what we call "monopodials" meaning that they grow contimuiously from one point (a crown). Your phal is behavign/growing exactly as I'd expect. The roots as seen in your second set fo pics are not in good shape. But it sounds like you've received some good advice. I agree with Jenny, too much water. This is most likely why the roots are in poor shape.

Take Jenny's advice, do not give your phal vanda culture. Phals want phal culture not vanda culture. Give the culture sheet that tizzycat provided the link for a good read and let us know if you have any questions about the specifics of phal culture.

[dejpep]

I have an update on this thread. The orchid bloomed , and it's a nice one. It manage to hold on only one flower, but that is ok, next year may be much better. Here are some pictures:

[CharliesAngel51]

Good for you. Not only did you save your Phal, you got it to bloom and what a pretty bloom it is. As you said next year will be better.

[mayres]

What kind of media do you have it potted up in - noted in middle picture? Hopefully it is not (as it sort of appears?) a standard plant potting mix?

[Tarad]

OO nice very pretty phal, but as Mike stated your medium looks a little fine, whatcha got in there ? Tara

[dejpep]

It's potted in miracle grow orchid mix. It does look like regular potting mix, but it's much lighter. I also add little bit of perlite in it. So far so good.

[Plucky Purcell]

Hope the good luck keeps swinging for you!

[mayres]

Wow! I would have NEVER guessed - looks like miracle grow african violet mix? A majority of bagged orchid mixes I've seen at typical garden centers or home improvement stores are bark based?

[rredhead69]

Great save, but to me it still looks like your media is staying way too wet. My Phals like coarse bark mix. I get better growth and lots more blooms. I would repot in coarse mix after the bloom drops. But that is just me...

[benetay]

Wow, from nothing to rot to flowers. That is something we need, determination and patience!

Great growing, so i guess the suggestions did work out!

Cheers!

[trinigirl]

Great save on this phal. Looks like you are following the good advice given.

I bet next year the flowers will be even better.