Doritis (Phalaenopsis) pulcherrima v.alba

[Dorsetman]

I have seen the species ( not the alba form) growing in the wild , in a basalt (?) pavement, where the plants grow in cracks in the stone, and hence have very confined roots ; which may explain why phallies in general hate being overpotted. So my now approaching a nice clump of plants - the original and offsets - remain cramped in one pot. But it likes it - does it not ? I have counted 40 flowers on a spike in the wild, my better spike here is approaching 30, which I think is good going in cultivation. But who knows ? It certainly gets better year - by - year.

[ksriramkumar]

Looks very Nice Geoff. Love the images.

[Azizan]

To think that it could grow on stone in the wild, the mutual fungus must be a lithophyte which might obtain nutrients from the stone. Lovely white! Is it free flowering or require temperature drop to flower?

[78Terp]

Lovely and well grown.

I gave up on these. I have tried several and they just don't do well for me. All are mulch now.

[Azizan]

Lovely and well grown.

I gave up on these. I have tried several and they just don't do well for me. All are mulch now.

Sorry to hear that. I was just thinking to find one that is 4N. Is it that finicky?

[78Terp]

Sorry to hear that. I was just thinking to find one that is 4N. Is it that finicky?

Trying to grow orchids in semi-arid without adding humidity is a very challenging environment. I think it is a humidity thing for it here to be so difficult. In a more humid environment, I think it would be easier. Due to the difficult growing conditions here, I try to avoid getting orchids bare root. It is much better for the plant if it is established in a pot before coming here.

I don't think I am the one to say how difficult they are to grow.

[Chris in Hamilton]

Beautiful plant! Obviously I've over potted mine.

[DoreenVDT]

Lovely orchid and glorious bloom. I grow all my phalaenopsis in coarse perlite covered with a layer of moss. I put pumice in the bottom of the pot (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch) depending on the pot size for the weight. I water when the moss dries out. Works for me.

[catttan]

Well done Geoff!

[JDT]

Very nice Geoff