New Phal! And it has a name!

[LoveOscar]

It has a name!!!

My new orchid from Hausermanns came in today, a Phalaenopsis Yu Pin Pearl (Ever-spring King x Musashino) (so sorry if I wrote that wrong, it's as is on the tag). No spikes, just some deliciously dark purple leaves. Really wasn't expecting that color on the leaves!

She seems a little dry. I gave her a quick rinse, pulled out most of the sphag moss which felt dry/barely damp, and settled her into her shipping pot. I need to go buy bark, so I'll repot her probably this weekend. She looks good. I feel like a proud orchid mommy now; can't wait for blooms!







This is Hausermanns' picture of the blooms are:



Thank you butterfly_muse! And to this forum. I've been day dreaming about one of these ladies for months.

[Leafmite]

It looks very healthy!

[Joyorchid]

Ooooo, I like those purple leaves! Cant wait to see the bloom!

[james mickelso]

Small (1/4") to medium (1/2"/ size bark. Keep in a small size pot just barely large enough to accommodate the root mass. Water when barely damp. Keep it warm and give it medium light levels. Feed it weakly/weekly at 1/4 strength and it will bloom in a couple months. After you pot it, you will notice the bark mix will be dry. Not to worry. You are watering the roots, not the bark. You will be able to tell when the roots are dry. Water it again. Easy. Just don't drown the poor thing. If you feel it is too dry where it is mix in a little sphagnum moss into the mix.

[LoveOscar]

Thank you James. I might mix both, I have some other plants (bulbs) I am considering using the bark with as well. I have a small mini orchid pot it should fit in no problem. Any idea where I can find the clear plastic cups or should I forgo using them?

[RandomGemini]

I did not know these had purple leaves! James, any idea how that effects the light requirements of the plant?

[james mickelso]

Repotme.com has the small plastic pots. The light requirement of the reddish leaved varieties is the same as the lighter green varieties. I have two with the reddish leaves in the same light as the others. Pic doesn't show off the red very well. Taken at dusk in the GH but it is fairly reddish especially around the edges. Here's a pic....

[RandomGemini]

Thanks! I might have to try one! Beautiful plant!