I NEED HELP!

[Karebear0427]

I have had a Phalaenopsis orchid since Feb 2008...since those blooms fell off (about April 2008) it hasn't bloomed. Multiple new healthy leaves have grown out...and just this last Summer (2009) 2 new, what i thought were flower spikes, sprouted out just above the first set of leaves. However, the "spike" have that silver/white overthem that my roots do, and now I am thinking they are just roots. Please help! how do I know if they are roots or flower spikes? and if they are just roots, how do i get it to blooM!?!?!

[nibbler]

I am in no way an expert, believe me. But pictures will help of what you have.

In the mean time, I believe this is a flower spike http://myorchidcare.com/orchid-care/...tten_spike.gif

These are aerial roots. http://lifestylesoftheorganized.file...chid-roots.jpg

If it makes you feel better, I have two in "spike" and they are happily sitting there doing nothing at the moment. I am not sure if they are missing a key aspect to get them to flower or it just takes a really long time.

[flowerpower]

A flower spike has a tip that looks like a mitten, a similar shape to your hand if you hold a fist and tuck your thumb under. If it's a pointy tip then it's a root. Sounds like a root, but don't be dismayed! Strong roots are vital for long term orchid health/survival.

To promote flowering give it a balanced fertiliser and sunshine (not blistering sunshine if you live in a very hot climate though).

Sometimes, upon flowering, the next step in the growth process is 1-2 leaves and some roots. Then the flower spike comes up

Hope this helps

[quiltergal]

I try and repot mine every couple of years. I'm using a coconut husk mix. If it's in fir bark then I repot annually. Has yours been repotted since you got it? If not, I'd recommend it.

There are several key elements required to get plants to rebloom. Good light is one. I grow mine just behind my Cattleyas under T5 grow lights. Regular feeding and watering is another. I fertilize once a week at 125ppm nitrogen. A 10 degree difference between day and night temps in the fall is the most important. I grow in the house and we keep things pretty cool in the winter. Daytime temps with sunlight and heat from the lights runs in the high 60's to low 70's. At night we turn the heat off and open a window. So our night temps in the house can easily drop down to the low 60's. My spring blooming plants are all usually setting spikes in the fall when the temps drop. Once I start seeing spikes I try and keep them a little warmer so the spike doesn't stall.

Hope this helps.

[Blueszz]

Be patient too

Besides the good advises given above, Phal's do just what they do. Maybe it isn't ready yet to bloom again. Also, some cultivars are summer bloomers instead of winter/spring bloomers. It seems that they yellow ones often are summer bloomers. Pink and whites seem to spike during fall and flower during winter and spring. This might also explain why your plant is not yet ready to bloom.

All my Phal's spiked in 2009 except for one, a yellow one, that a week ago decided it was time to spike. It's a yellow one... and I guess it's ready to bloom in May.

Nicole

[Sandrilene]

Make sure you use fertilizer on your orchids and if the leaves are a very dark green they may not be getting enough light so they may need more.

[RosieC]

In the past I've had good success with a temperature drop at night... this year though I've still had no spikes and I am currently working on a suspicion that water temp also has something to do with it. In an attempt to get a sick one growing well I've got in to the habit of watering with lukewarm water... I think that's great for growth of the Phal but not for spiking. Not sure yet though...

[johnblagg]

LOts of leaves and new roots Whoo HOO its doing fine and you dont need much help other than as Rosie suggested maybe a temperature drop in fall ...... shoot might work in spring too

[Karebear0427]

Thank you to everyone for your wisdom!!! I do definitely know now that those are aerial roots...based on the photos some one you posted.

I did repot last spring, in a clay pot with a basin under it. Should I not plant it in clay??? I read that they sometimes do better in plastic clear pots. It is good to know that I haven't killed it though! LOL I am not one who has a green thumb and when I received this orchid from my fiance for Valentines day I was sure I would kill it. That was 2 yrs ago, and although it hasn't bloomed since, at least it seems like it is thriving.

Do you think I should repot again this spring and hope for some spikes in the fall? It is a white phal...

Thanks again for everyone's amazing insight!!!!

PS what fertilizer do you recommend???

[Donald]

Like a couple of other members have indicated try having the temps at night vary from the day.

Enjoy the site.