Phal blooming question

[angeleyedcat]

I've had all of my phalaenopsis orchids outside for the month of august in east sun with shade cloth on top. As of the beginning of september it has been too cold outside for them at night (never 60 or above) so they have been in a south window with a sheer curtain. This window was chosen because its the only room I can keep cooler at night (60's) There has always been at least a 10 degree temperature change day/night for these past 2 months.

2 of the phals are showing spikes, the others look good, august outside and then the coolness has brought on new root growth etc, happy, but no spikes yet.

Since the rest of my orchids have to come inside for the winter and need that south window I have to move the phals back to their simple grow light area which stays 72 - 75.

Do the phals HAVE to show a spike before I can take them out of the window, stop giving them temperature changes, and put them into a more steady temperature area? Or will a spike show up later, assuming they actually want and are ready to flower...


Thank you!

[Doc G]

You don't mention what kind of Phals they are;species or hybrid. I have never depended on temp change for a hybrid Phal, just good growing conditions and a reasonable wait between blooms. But I would think that a month would be enough time. It could be that grow lights may induce a "season" change in the plants. Besides, you seem to have little choice.

[nativecyp]

I agree with Doc G. Mostly there are winter and spring to summer blooming species. I take most of my phals down to the 50's in temp. Some species are even more finicky than others about reblooming on a cut back spike. For me these seem to be the warmer growing types. Warm types don't seem to need the cooler temps. I mentioned above to produce a spike. Once phals get to a certain size cut back spikes may be forming or in bloom most of the time. If you use the 50's temps make sure they are a little on the dryside. Phals don't like cold wet roots.
Hope this helps!

[angeleyedcat]

Thanks Doc G and nativecyp. So sorry, forgot, these are just your average NOID box store hybrids, most being versions of white with a few pink and yellow.