Typical amount of time a Phal's Spike will grow?

[tephanieS]

Hi,

I have 4 Phals that spent their summer outside and all of them are spiking for the first time since the last week of August. Some of them are starting to show 2 spikes at once!

I was wondering, how long will it be before the spikes have completely grown out and start to bloom flowers?

Thanks

[Ray]

It depends on plant genetics and growing conditions, but 6- to 8 weeks is probably a good estimate - maybe longer.

[unhappykat]

Really depends on genetics, most will take eight to twelve weeks because growth slows as temps drop in fall. If you plants contain Pulcherimum, i think thats the spelling, they might take sixteen or more weeks to grow. The last time I bloomed one of its hybrids the spike took four months to open its first flower and another three or four weeks to finish opening the last flower, and that was when it grew in a warm enviorment.

[DebsC]

All I have to say is, it seems to take [I]forever[I] from the time those spikes start showing until the flowers open! But it's very much worth the wait!

Welcome to OB!!! Hope to see you post lots!!

[Helen]

Mine took approx. 2 1/2 months from approx. 1 inch spike.
Good Luck...can't wait to see your pictures!
Helen
p.s. you'll definitely have them in bloom for Christmas~!

[RosieC]

In the past mine have taken about 6-8 weeks to before the first buds appear on the spike. I have one just now which is just over 5 weeks old and it looks like it will produce a bud soon.

[CoolPhrog]

Welcome! Thanx for posting your question....

I had one that spiked last fall when temps dropped, sent up two spikes that each had three branches....I finally cut the spikes off a month ago (no buds and no blooms) because the plant was starting to show signes of stress.

Good Luck and keep us posted!

[Ray]

I was looking over a few old Greenhouse Grower articles and found this, related to phalaenopsis spike growth/flowering and temperature:

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Ray

I was looking over a few old Greenhouse Grower articles and found this, related to phalaenopsis spike growth/flowering and temperature:

Thanks Ray, that's useful information to know. Of course, knowing this won't change a thing about the fact that we need patience while watching the spikes grow!

[tephanieS]

Thanks everyone for all your help! I will definitely post pictures once they're in full bloom!