Phalaenopsis Stalks

[Melis]

Hi There,

I am fairly new to Orchids and got my first about a year ago which I bought from a Super Market. From what I could gather from the Internet it is a good idea to keep them Outside if possible in the warmer months after flowering so they can fell the temperature change to prompt making new Flower Stalks. So this is what I did.

All of them have started to make Stalks now but I am unsure when to bring them back inside. My Grandmother once told me that if you bring them in too soon then they never actually flower but unfortunately she is no longer with us so I can ask here when "too soon" is. I'm hoping someone here could give me some Guidance. I live in Pretoria, South Africa so we are busy going into Winter now.

[aliceinwl]

Phalaenopsis don’t like cold. So if temperatures are dropping, they’d probably appreciate being brought inside. If you can keep light levels high, without direct sun exposure, the spikes (stalks) should develop fine. I’ve only really had spikes stall if temperatures got too cold or light levels were decreased.

[SouthPark]

Maybe have an estimate of minimum temperature for growing phals. Eg. 16 celsius might be one estimate. If temperatures fall below that ..... then could bring indoors.... also ensuring indoor temperature is satisfactory too.

[Melis]

Thanks for the advice. I will bring them inside then.

[Ray]

A study was done at Texas A&M that showed that plants bloom better if kept very warm, once the spikes have been initiated.

[Fuerte Rav]

That's interesting Ray, thank you. When you say 'initiated' are you talking when the spike tip first appears or is that orchid terminology for when buds have started forming?