Jeanne, you said, "My Phal bellina hybrid flowers lasted plenty long, and as the plant matured, there were more spikes and more flowers which only served to lengthen the blooming period. Not sure what effect the tetraspis parent would have on Tetra Bell. How old was that plant, and was the flowering consistently short over several growing seasons? In any case, I think bellina or a bellina hybrid would be worth the space in any orchid collection." I agree, at least one of these is mandatory. Jeanne, dunno how old the plant was last summer, but it had 6 mature leaves, the largest 8"x4," and 2 keikis. The original spike had branched twice. Checking back, the complete blooming - 5 flowers - lasted 3 months. It was probably cut short by taking the plant to the State Fair exhibit, where it was hot. Several other Phals bloomed for 5+ months - it's all relative. :) C, this is not a small plant. It's one of those "dinner plate" shapes, with the leaves growing in a fan. Right now, it's 12"x14." Sooner or later, this one will be replaced w/ a bellina hybrid or species that stays small, as long as it smells like plumeria. WC8

quinnfyre, yes the alata is still blooming. The plant has about 20 spikes on it that each rebloom several times so don't cut the 'dead' spikes off. It also has a bunch of cute seed caps as well. The way I grow my little Pleuros is I use those clear plastic $1 shoeboxes (toss the lid). They have enough height to hold in humidity, and the plants are only 1" to 4" tall anyhow. I put the plants in groups into plastic vanda baskets, 6" mostly, which keeps the plants from continually falling over and also holds them up above the bottom of the box where water tends to accumulate. This way, I can keep about 1/4" of water in the bottom to raise the humidity up a bit more than the 50% the greenhouse runs without keeping the plants soggy. To water, pick up the two baskets, hose the plants off, and return to the shoebox. The boxes (I have about four of them) are put to the side of the shoplights on a dim shelf at the back of the GH. They don't need very bright light. I am only using the vanda baskets because I have a stack of them; I didn't buy them for this purpose. Anything else can be used that fits the same type of description; the housewares department in stores have all kinds of possibilities. This is what my baskets look like. I use them for Vandas, too :-) Here is a link that might be useful: Vanda baskets

I finally had time to make a list of my bloomers. Yes it's a lot and no I don't feel guilty having this many to enjoy :>) Phals - cornu-cervi (2), equestris, Taida Sunshine, amboinensis (3) H.P.Norton, bellina (2) gigantea x tetraspis (3) Rothschildiana, Yaphon Lobspis, tetraspis (2) violacea (2) Alice Millard, lindenii, celebensis, deliciosa, lueddemanniana, Joy Micholitzii Lueddie, aphrodite, micholitzii Dens - Mingle's Sapphire, tobaense, macrophyllum, alexanderae, Roy Tokunada Bulbo - septimtriol, arfakianum, grandiflorum, lilacinum Lycaste - Corrimal, Sulphurea, guatemalensis, x niennnesiae, macrophylla ssp macrophylla, dowiana, occulta Phrags - Cardinale, Bowl of Cherries, Wossen, Lucy Robbins, fischerii Psychopsis - Butterfly, krammeriana, papillio alba, Mendenhall Masdies - Angel Frost, Bobcat, ayabacana, Red Wing, Marguerite, amplexa, Morning Glory, Tortoise, Geneva Spots, Anochecer, Heathii, imposter x floribunda, Peaches & Cream, Mauii Gold, Mary Stahl, Measuresiana, Angel Heart, pteroglossa, geminiflora, ludibunda, Hampsshire Prolific (3), infracta, Charisma Odds and Ends - Epi. cochleata, Max. splendens, richi and sophronitis, Scapho peruviana and decorum, Renanthera Singaporeans, Liparis condylobulban, Dendrochillum bicallosum and cobbiana, Drac. lotax, Helpilia Becky Unruh Catts - rubescens, walkeriana cerulea, percivalaniana, labiata, Bow Bells, schroderae, loddigessii, Gold Throat (2) and Goldenzelle 'Lemon Chiffon' Here is the Goldenzelle Bullsie sent this to me a couple of years as a seedling when she was thinning the herd. She also sent me another one, George King Serendipity (I think that's the name) and it is also in bud. Thanks Bullsie, it's a nice one. Sorry about any typos and slightly incorrect names :>) Brooke

Thanks everyone! Raphael, I've also done that.. ..giving/trading the better of the 2, but I've never regretted it. I would feel badly if the reverse was true, especially it it were a trade or sale (but I've never sold an orchid.) Arthur, I've been mentally flogging myself for such stupid mistakes I've made in the name...I have a few excuses, but will not name them...they are just excuses! I bought C. intermedia var. orlata 'Crownfox' HCC/AOS in April '07. It was awarded an AM/AOS in March '07 (3 blooms). I just download the latest OrchidWiz this a.m., Arthur, and it contained this newer award. The original HCC/AOS was awarded in '98 (2 blooms). This plant was bought in a basket if memory serves. I repotted it in a clay pot and it's crawling out of it. I will be repotting it again after blooming and use better drainage. Maybe later I'll repost with the correct name. Carol