CAMP LOT A NOISE TROPICALS
"Big enough to serve your Orchid needs, small enough for personal service"
http://www.clanorchids.com/ or http://www.orchidsrus.net/


PHALAENOPSIS (KEY STEPS)


For at least six months ( or since the last flowers faded), we have all been 
nurturing our phals with great expectations for yet another spectacular showing
in the winter-spring 2000 season.  Now is not the time to rest on our laurels.
Look for the small or large spikes (technically - racemes) emerging from beneath 
the robust, fleshy leaves that are storing all the manufactured carbohydrates that
will go into building flowers.  Do what you can to free these spikes so they can turn
upward as quickly as possible. If practical, turn the plant now ( not later ), so that its
 leaftip to leaf tip axis is perpendicular to the primary and strongest light source; this 
rotation will encourage the inflorescence to arch over the plant as opposed 
to away from it, thus providing the best possible display and balance in presentation.


Then, of course, groom the spike, i.e. carefully attach it to a bamboo or wire stake for 
support and encouragement in its vertical reach for the light. First, attach the raceme 
only at its base; then allow it to grow upward alongside the stake for an additional 5-6" 
before again attaching it to the stake. Repeat this process as needed to have attachement
up toward the first bud when it is about to open.  All of this careful control will result in a
beautiful presentation of an arching inflorescence that carries nicely arranged "butterflies". 
Grooming the raceme is a very important step in achieving the most satisfaction from your 
phals; enjoy the challenge.