Preparing Novelty Phalaenopsis for Show

Story and photos by Peter Lin

We love novelty phalaenopsis for their colorful and often fragrant flowers.  It is important to stake the inflorescences (commonly referred to as flowering spikes) early to ensure best presentation.  This group of novelty phalaenopsis often have short inflorescences that could be hidden under big, round leaves.  With early detection, we can train the inflorescence so that the buds can develop above the leaves.  This way we can enjoy the flowers held just above the foliage.

Here in Northern Atmosphere, most of our spiking phalaenopsis are standard type with long, arching inflorescences. However, older, mature novelty phalaenopsis can develop new buds to flower any time of the year.  As an example, I found one of these to show sign of flowering on an existing inflorescence, as well as a new inflorescence.  Referred as spike for the rest of this story.

Early detection is the key.  New spike is easier to adjust than old spike because new spike is more flexible (less stiff) than old spike.  If hidden, new spike is usually right under one new leaf with early detection.

So for the new spike, I just carefully bend the edge of the leaf to allow the spike to emerge. 

Working with the old spike is more difficult.  In the example photo, you can see the old spike is now hidden under two leaves.  So one at a time, I would carefully fold the edge of the leaf just above the old spike.  Repeat this step until the old spike is now over all leaves. 

Now - we just wait for both spikes to develop new buds for flowering in the next two months.  It is best to keep the plant in the same growing location.  This way we do not risk the buds to become disoriented.  With luck I will update this article with photo of this plant in flower soon.

For more pictures of flowering novelty phalaenopsis, visit our novelty phalaenopsis gallery.