How do I treat a Phcal.

[D&S Mabel]

My wife fell in love with a Phcal. Kryptonite 'Ursula" and towed it home from Lowe's this past winter. Besides the blooms, which were very nice, the plant looked pathetic and I didn't have the heart to tell her that it wouldn't make it much past blooming.

Eight months later, I have a little monster on my hands.



In the middle of the pot is what it came as (although it had no leaves at the time) and to the right is new growth. This thing is really stuffed in the pot ( a 4") but doing well, with very healthy roots. It's starting to creep over the edge of the pot, so time to repot, I think.

My question is, how do I treat this plant? It is looking more and more like Phais but it appears to be in spag. with no soil. It's doing well in low light.

Also, what's the "cal" in Phcal?

Thanks!

[kiki-do]

I am not familiar with this one, but I googled it and it came up in many places. Low light, Intermediate growing, multiple spikes, and winter blooming. It's cross is Calanthe Rozel x Phaius tankervilleae, so you do have a monster on your hands. A beautiful monster. You have the potential of giving out lots of Xmas gifts in divisions with this beauty!
I would repot. My reference book says it's important for good air flow and they like bright light (hum?) and to water copiously and fertilize weekly with a dilute liquid applied directly to the compost during periods of active growth. Don't let water accumulate in emerging shoots.
It says the Paius tends to dominate plant form.
Maybe others with actual experience in these will chime in.

[D&S Mabel]

Thanks for the info.

What soil does it need? I do have a large Phais but it came that way and I haven't had to fool with the potting on it.

Can I go big on the pot because it will eventually need one or do I need to do this in steps?

[cb977]

It's Phaiocalanthe...

I have three of the Phcal Kryptonite chids. I have two of them in aliflor (LECA, but not S/H) and the other is still in the mix it was in when my friend gave it to me and seems very happy. It looks like large chunks of bark and charcoal.

As kiki said, avoid getting water in the swirls of leaves coming up, they rot easily. I keep mine where they get very filtered light, never bright sun

Please keep us updated on this one...it's a true beauty!

[Dorothy]

Here are photos of it - http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ate=1204367996
Orchid Web: Phcal. Kryptonite 'Ursula' AM/AOS

These past threads may be of some help to you -
Phaiocalanthe Kryptonite
Calanthe Calanthe Hybrid Phaius?