Still no spike on my phal

[en3rmax]

Hi there,

I've had my phal since easter, it flowered then i cut the spike back it has grew new leaves but i'm still waiting for a new spike, is there any chance of one soon?

I took the picture of my phal on the window but that's not where it sits, it's in a good spot which it likes the temp by it is at 69f and the humidity is at 39 to 45 %

I really want my first spike.

The third pic is my cousins phal i look after.

[Ray]

Looks like you're doing a nice job of growing it.

Based upon the assumption that it is the plant pictured in your avatar, it is likely that the culprit is temperature stability.

Many phals having white- and/or pink-flowering species in their background grow well at warm, constant temperatures, but will only reliably spike once they have been exposed to a couple of weeks of cooler average temperatures.

If you're growing it at about 70°F, leave it closer to a window at night, so it will see something more in the range of 50°-55°. If that fakes the plant into seeing a "seasonal change", in about 6- to 8 weeks, you should see the beginnings of a flower spike.

As an aside, feeding with excessive nitrogen can also quash blooming, but it also tends to give the plants a fairly bright, emerald green coloration, which is not indicated in your photos.

[johnblagg]

Yep sound like a temp issue ...mine get 60 on a reg basis in fall and wqinter and all spike regulary

[en3rmax]

Here is a pic of my phal when i first had it in easter 09



I'm still waiting for a spike, i'm keeping the room at about 70 and 55 at night

This is my phal now



Is there any reason the roots in the top have black on them? the ones below in the pot are nice and green

[kiki-do]

The temperature change is a very important one. Also, I've kept records of my phals blooming history, and I've noticed that if I have a bloom at purchase say in January, the next year it doesn't come into bloom until February or March. They generally come on later when grown outside of the nurseries. Just my observation, nothing more.

[johnblagg]

I dont know for sure but maybe it needs a little more humidity is why the roots in the air are discolored.

I agree with ray on it looks very healty ...just have to wait they will bloom when they are ready and we have to wait.I have several that have not made spikes yet this year and three that are .....

[polishdaple]

I am only a novice orchid addict so take no offense if this is a duh suggestion. Just a thought, have you changed the media in the phal yet? Some of my store bought plants have really benefited from fresh media. A change might also help clear up the black roots. Let me know if this helps.

[flowerpower]

I found not feeding it for a while and then starting to feed it made my orchid go wild. It is currently flowering on three spikes simultaneously. And it's the first time I got one to re-bloom as well. Two are old spikes but I was amazed to see a brand new spike coming up as well!

[WhiteRabbit]

Well also - it was blooming at easter - less than a year ago - may not yet be time for rebloom ?

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

Well also - it was blooming at easter - less than a year ago - may not yet be time for rebloom ?

Not necessarily, since commercial growers can get a phal to bloom at any time of year. It's possible that this one is a natural winter bloomer, but having bloomed in the spring it doesn't have energy to send out spikes yet. I've noticed that on 3 of my phals after I got them in the spring/summer, and they ended up spiking the following year!