Phal won't stop blooming. Is this OK?

[krienschmidt]

Hi everyone, I have a Phal that has been in bloom for over 5 months now. When I went to water it today I noticed MORE buds on the end of one of it's spikes. With spring here and summer coming shouldn't it be getting into it's growth period? Is it OK to just let it bloom as long as it wants? Not that I don't love the flowers, but I'm wondering if I should cut them off now to force it into it's growth period??? Thanks for any help.

Barb

[jkofferdahl]

Barb, your Phal is fine. Some do this, and it's nothing to worry about. I have a Phal. equestris that's been in continual bloom for well over a year now. During that time it's also grown new leaves and new roots. Essentially, Phalaenopsis orchids do what they want when they want to, kind of like an untrained dog.

[PaphMadMan]

I call these "my orchid is too healthy, what's wrong" questions. Just enjoy and keep doing what you are doing, continuing normal good care. Phalaenopsis in good health can bloom and grow simultaneously, forever. Those who say "my orchid bloomed to death" really are saying they killed a fantastic plant by lack of good care. They stopped fertilizing, moved it out of the best light to enjoy it more and didn't repot when it needed it. Keep up the good work, worry less, enjoy more.

[krienschmidt]

All sounds good to me!! Yes, I do tend to fret over my orchids like I did my kids when they were small. Thank you guys.

[Bohata]

Originally Posted by krienschmidt

All sounds good to me!! Yes, I do tend to fret over my orchids like I did my kids when they were small. Thank you guys.

You sound perfectly normal!

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by krienschmidt

All sounds good to me!! Yes, I do tend to fret over my orchids like I did my kids when they were small. Thank you guys.

Yep. Who doesn't fret?

[Bohata]

I accidentally reposted and the site won't let me delete, only edit.

[Optimist]

My phals have been going about this long. I just let them. As long as the plant is healthy it is okay.

[Bulbopedilum]

I love it when orchids do that. Theres a guy who grows a single dendro close to my school that has been blooming since I moved to that school, which is like 1.5 years!! I suggest you pollinate and get some seed.

[Jazmyne]

I have a Phal doing the same thing. She's been blooming since Halloween. Crazy thing is I've done everything "wrong" with her. She's been in her pot for three years now and I was going to repot her after she was done blooming, but she keeps going and going.

She's in orchid bark in a non-draining pot. I fill up the pot with water and let her sit for 20-30 minutes once a week then drain her off. And I've only recently started a fertilizing schedule.

She also sits in a south facing windowsill year-round. Gets full sun. The only thing I do is rotate her to keep the leaves and spikes growing evenly and keep the leaves and flowers from touching the window.

Crazy Phals.