The nights are getting a bit cooler in the DC area, and my Phals are
initiating spikes! I noticed seven new spikes in the past couple of weeks,
including today a new spike on the very first Phal that I ever got. I love
it when they do that! I think I get a bigger thrill out of a new spike than
out of a new flower. I guess part of it is that by the time the flower
opens, it's not a surprise any more, since it is kind of expected after the
spike and bud have been growing for a while, but the new spike always gives
me this thrill: it's a sense of accomplishment (I got them to respike yet
again), the unexpected gift from the orchid god. Plus even though I have had
them reflowering for me before I am still enough of a newbie (after 4.5
years of growing orchids) that I still don't take it for granted that they
will reflower for me (even with those that have been reflowering like
clockwork. Also now I know that they like the new condo's conditions just
fine. Happy orchids, happy me.

Joanna

Hello Joanna!

I know that thrill ! Isn`t it amazing !!!

I can`t wait to discover some spike but for now, my Phal seems to take their
time.....

I`ll keep you posted !

Claude

"J Fortuna" wrote in message
news:49j2f.5228$nz.2855@trnddc03...
| The nights are getting a bit cooler in the DC area, and my Phals are
| initiating spikes! I noticed seven new spikes in the past couple of weeks,
| including today a new spike on the very first Phal that I ever got. I love
| it when they do that! I think I get a bigger thrill out of a new spike
than
| out of a new flower. I guess part of it is that by the time the flower
| opens, it's not a surprise any more, since it is kind of expected after
the
| spike and bud have been growing for a while, but the new spike always
gives
| me this thrill: it's a sense of accomplishment (I got them to respike yet
| again), the unexpected gift from the orchid god. Plus even though I have
had
| them reflowering for me before I am still enough of a newbie (after 4.5
| years of growing orchids) that I still don't take it for granted that they
| will reflower for me (even with those that have been reflowering like
| clockwork. Also now I know that they like the new condo's conditions just
| fine. Happy orchids, happy me.
|
| Joanna
|
|