Phal. growth rate?

[sand_tiger86]

I've always been told that Phals are quite sloth-like in their growth speed, and in my previous experience I'd tend to agree with that. However, the Phal I have now (I only have one), must be some kind of freakish hulk-Phalaenopsis. Since the beginning of Spring, it's put out 5 gigantic leaves and is working on a sixth. SIX leaves in 4-5 months! It was big before, but now it almost looks Vandaceous it's getting so tall. Is this normal? I mean, I guess it's nothing to complain over...I guess it just strikes me as odd that I have a Phal, of all genre, growing faster than any orchid I've ever seen! Its blooming cycle isn't until late winter (starts spiking in the fall), so hopefully I'll get a freaky show out of it!

[Halloamey]

Phals are pretty fast growers. Infact they are the fastest to mature from seedling or meristem to flowering size plants. But I have never heard or seen a Phal. grow 6 new leaves in 4-5 months! Can we have a few pictures?

[sand_tiger86]

I'll be sure to take some when I get off work! It's a beast.

[jai_star]

I have one Phal that has not stop growing leaves since I purchased it a year ago even when its not producing a spike the new leaf does not slow down , whereas my other Phals has stopped their leaf growth and are focusing on producing spikes, perhaps our " Hulk Phals " are cousins !

[tucker85]

I find that some phals are genetically predisposed to faster growth than others. Also, spring and summer, are the months when my phals grow the fastest. But I've never had one grow at the rate you're describing. Congratulations, I think you have a really good one there.

[Orquiadicto]

Congrat. If it sets out as many spikes as leaves, you'll have quite a show.

[sand_tiger86]

Well, it took me a while to get around to it but I finally took some pics of my "Vanda" Phal. I almost sure it thinks it's a badass Vanda. This thing is in a 7" pot and has a leaf span of over two feet. It started out with a measly three leaves when I bought it last fall.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Nice growing, Kelly.

cheers,
BD

[Magnus A]

Looking really good!

It have grown well and probably stored enough energy to put out a spectacular bloom! Now you just to find out how to initiate one or two spikes. As you write it probably will bloom in the winter as phals usually initiate spikes as the temperature turn down in the autumn.

Looking forward to pictures of future flowers!

/M

[Halloamey]

Looks quite healthy, good job.