Flower spike question on mini phals

[nutgirl]

I aquired three small phalaenopsis - Phalaenopsis pallens, Phalaenopsis kuntrarti rarashati "Bunker Hill" and a Dtps labeled "Purple Gem".

They all have flower spikes different from the usual Hybrid Phals. The flowers appear to keep forming one after the other as the spike lengthens?

What do I do? Are they ever trimmed or do you let it keep on growing?

Maureen

[Lagoon]

Hi Maureen,

Just let them continue and go nuts - these spikes can blooms for YEARS.
Cut them off only when they are dark yellow or browned up.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Phal pallens is a species. All the others are hybrids.

Thought you'd like to know.

[Lagoon]

ummm kuntrarti is not a species? I need to check on the spelling ...

[Lagoon]

Uh ok I was thinking kunstleri. Your phal kuntrarti is a cross of equestris x venosa. Beautiful cross buy the way - this one should be a interesting grower!

[nutgirl]

Originally Posted by Lagoon

Hi Maureen,

Just let them continue and go nuts - these spikes can blooms for YEARS.
Cut them off only when they are dark yellow or browned up.

Thanks, I kind of figured they were different. Just didn't want to do something that messed up the next bloom.

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Phal pallens is a species. All the others are hybrids.

Thought you'd like to know.

Thanks King, by 'Hybrid Phal' I meant the ones with the spikes that you cut after they finish blooming. I knew the pallens was a species, wasn't sure about the kuntrarti and the purple gem.

BTW - thanks also for the links you posted for the phalaenopsis in their natural setting. I wondered why mine are always trying to push themselves up out of their pots - they seem to like the base of the plant exposed. After looking at the pix I see they naturally do.

Maureen