Phalaenopsis Orchid Blooming

[zoomie_16]

Greetings from AZ,

I'm new to the group, thank you for accepting my registration.

I have a Phalaenopsis Orchid that has not bloomed in over 6 months or so. I purchased my orchid about 10 months ago, it had two stems and 2 leaves. The stems dried out and I cut them at the base. It has since grown 4 more leaves, but hasn't sprouted any stems or new roots and I'm concerned I'm not giving it what it needs or watering too much/ not enough.

Is there anything I can do to help?

[rbarata]

Welcome to the board!

In fact your plant looks good. Many Phals (if not most of them) bloom only once a year, usually in Spring.

What are the min. temps in Winter in your growing area?

[zoomie_16]

Thank you!

Lowest temp in winter would be 40. Summers get really hot, over 110, so I don't have it in direct sunlight. It's about 15 feet away from the window. Not sure if I should move it closer. The house is usually set at no more than 75.

[dbarron]

My first thoughts (gut feeling only) is not enough light. Your 15 feet probably supports that.
My winning strategy is as much light as my plants can take (and I can give..using natural sunlight only) is the best. Phals could take an hour or two of wan morning or late evening sunlight and bright light absolutely all day.

[zoomie_16]

I will move it!!! Thank you, I had been concerned about that as well.

[Roberta]

Welcome!

40 deg F 'way too cold... Phals really don't want to go much below 65 deg F, they'll tolerate 60 but not do much growing. They are low-light plants so don't put it closer to the window. 75 deg F is OK for growth, might be happier a little warmer but that should be OK. If you're running the A/C that much, your humidity is likely quite low... not a problem as long as you water it enough. If you haven't repotted it, you probably should. A chunky medium (like medium bark, or lava rock ) will help you keep lots of air in the root zone, water it often enough to keep it a bit damp. (One way to do learn the "how often" part is is to water well and drain, weigh on a postal scale or kitchen scale, repeat the next day, etc. When the rate of weigh loss slows down due to not much water to evaporate, it's time again) It will need watering more frequently with fresh medium. The "air around roots" is really important - these want "humid air", not "sopping wet". As rbarata noted, most Phals bloom only once a year. So, patience! If you don't get spikes in the fall but the plant looks healthy (which it does now1) light duration might be a factor. They want about 12 hours a day all year around - which in most of the US, that means supplementing, any old LED light will do, for these extra hours in the shorter-day parts of the year. (No harm starting that now...) Orchids teach patience! If you make a change to conditions, don't expect to see a response in less than a few months, or more. They do everything slowly. So don't be in a hurry to reach conclusions, observe and you'll see the subtle responses.

[estación seca]

Welcome! It looks like you're taking good care of it. It should make spikes in December and bloom next Spring. Many Phals. are forced to flower out of season by manipulating temperatures. They return to their natural calendar when you take them home with you.

Here is what Eric Goo of Phoenix Orchids wrote about growing Phals. in Phoenix:
Eric Goo of Phoenix Orchids: Growing Phalaenopsis

Please join us at the next meeting of the Desert Valley Orchid Society:
Desert Valley Orchid Society | Orchid Club | Phoenix
It's our annual Ice Cream Social. If you join you get a free plant! I guarantee you'll have a great time and meet lots of friendly people who will help you grow orchids.

[tmoney]

your plants look great! oh, and welcome to the ob!

meh, just be patient. try giving it brighter light as others have said, but otherwise with a plant that small it may skip a season of blooming after a good flush. so now worries! just keep doing whatever you have been and one day it bloom again. unless its a minimark, then its possible it won't, hehehe

[realoldbeachbum]

ES - Ice Cream and a free plant! Wow, makes me want to join your group -- long commute, though, from AL to AZ ) ROBB

[zoomie_16]

@dbarron - THANK YOU!! The advice to move it closer to the window has made a difference in just 6 weeks!!! I have 2 little nubs on each side!! I don't know yet if they will be spikes or roots but it's the first growth at the base I've seen since I purchased it. Thank you!

@estación seca - I would love to join the club! Thank you for the links I'll be checking out the meetings available.

Thank you all for the advice and encouragement!

Not sure when exactly to repot so I'll be doing some more research but any advice is appreciated!