I think phals are starting to like me :)

[wetfeet101b]

After killing their brethren for years, I think the phalaenopsis genus still holds out hope that I can get it right

Here is a nice phal (noid) that desertgal gave to me last year.

02-25-2008
At the time I was not sure if it is a spike or keiki.


03-05-2008
Confirmed that it is a spike - rather fast growing too.


04-04-2008
Relocated the plants to another room, away from the western exposure and added grow lights to the shelves.


04-20-2008
Flower buds are swelling.
Two buds have grown, but the growing tip of the spike has not dried up yet - so I am hoping that this is a sequencial bloomer.


05-08-2008
Flower partially opened


Another shot with camera flash


In a few days I hope to be able to take a picture of the flower fully open.

BTW, sometime after th 04-20-2008 picture, the original SH plastic pot cracked so I replanted the plant in a new SH container.

Here's another phal that appears to be growing a spike or a keiki - I'll take either one


Here's a picture of the phals under lights. I'm using two 15watt aquarium grow lamps intended for planted aquariums.
Some indirect sunlight comes in from the far west window and south window too.
A couple of smaller phals in the picture are still in rehab.



John

[Lambert]

As a serial Phal killer myself, your post and your beautiful pictures give me hope and actually make me wonder if I should give a Phal another shot ...
Well done and congratulations!

[0rch1dman]

I've killed one and am trying desperately to rehab another that looks just like yours in the front left corner of the last picture. I am hopeful. It was nice seeing the progression from spike to bud to flower! Thanks.

[Diane]

Great Going. Looks like it might be a Baldans Kaleidescope or similar...

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Congrats John!

Cheers,

BD

[sadie]

Congratulations! Glad to see that you have given up your phal-killing ways. They look good.

[Molly Taco]

Good Growing !!!
Cin

[wetfeet101b]

Great Going. Looks like it might be a Baldans Kaleidescope or similar...

Wow Diane, you might have hit this one spot on!
The color patterns and veining look identical to Baldan's Kaleidoscope.

I will observe it as the flower matures and see if it remains consistent with Baldan's Kaleidoscope.

[clintdawley]

Congrats, John!

Phals have never been that big of a challenge for me--I guess we all have our "problem children"...(Mine are the vandas).

[Cjcorner]

I agree with Clint, Phals have always been my easy growers...now oncids, they just like to die around here, or at least they used to...
Cant wait to see your blooms....
Connie