Janine, some Phalaenopsis are sequential bloomers and in theory they could bloom for years as one did for one of the great ladies of orchid growing here. We will call here Betty. She was the Champion orchid grower of her local orchid society and to win that trophy year after year every point was precious. So she would bench this plant every month to get one benching point. Hardly a thing of beauty with a long straggly flowering stem with scars where past blooms had been and a tuft of dispirited flowers at the end. I have taken the same Phalaenopsis to several Monthly meeting and after about three months I have said thank you Phalaenopsis and cut the spike off. The orchid show season is in full swing here and no doubt one Phalaenopsis enthuasist has started showing his beautiful collection at the various shows and after about six shows covering about three months he will go SNIP and cut all the blooms off at the base.

(I answered on the original thread as well). I find that blooms on my established, mature Malaguena last several days even when it rains. Its bloom life is average for a modern rose. The blooms I showed were several days old when I took the pictures. I have no patience for roses that fall apart right away and wouldn't still have it if it did so. I have found that the bloom size has increased in the past year or so with maturity of the bush and are over 5 inches across. Celeste

John, If you are just becoming interested in cannas I would suggest you keep it simple for the first year or two. How to grow and winter store is a quick learning curve; no great secrets or special requirements other than a basic understanding of your climates limitations. DonÂt go investing in some of the difficult cultivars that seem to present problems for some. Stick to the older tried and true cultivars; not much invested and you can afford to make some mistakes without much cash outlay. There are several large flowered cultivars (varieties) readily available. There are some virus disease issues but until you can recognize the symptoms you may choose to grow these in your area without great problems (part of the learning curve). President, Miss Oklahoma, and a host of others are easily obtained green leaved varieties; Pretoria (Bengal Tiger) is a good variegated variety; King Humbert is a taller bronzed leaf cultivar that is usually readily available. I suggest you buy from a reliable supplier to ensure you get "true to name" cultivars. Best of luck, Kent

Paul! It is So Good to see you posting. (How do your orchids???) Anyway, I'm pleased if I get 2 weeks. I currently have this thing where the umbels will open half the blooms, then store the rest for later! So, I get a month out of one umbel... But not really what you were looking for. None that I know of, is the answer I give you. Also, Buyer Beware with the people you are dealing with. If you get a healthy plant that you've been searching for, Bonus Points!!! Otherwise, mind your shipping and how the plant will benefit you, and buy accordingly. So Good to see you, Paul!