Phals have tiny buds, what's the best location?

[NewBloom]

Hi,

I got my first 2 phalaenopsis orchids in January at a local Home Depot.

The flowers on the smaller plant (6.5" leaf span) lasted until early March but it has three tiny buds (the size of a pencil tip) where potential flowers will bloom. The bigger orchid (9" leaf span) has one remaining flower blooming and it has a tiny bud as well.

What's the best location and care program for these orchids to get the new buds to flower?

Two weeks ago I relocated them to a covered area outside. I figured since there was only one flower going, it was the appropriate time for being outdoors and the weather had gotten up to the 70s. But the trees that shade the garden started dropping pollen and my phals were left covered in green dust.

Last weekend I wiped off the leaves with damp kitchen paper and brought the orchids back inside. They are near a shaded window which I open during the day for air and they're resting atop clay saucers filled with rocks and a little water, for humidity.

The indoor temp is 71-75. I'm concerned that I don't get enough indoor light because the oaks around the house provide shade. It's bright enough to read (just barely) but I don't have areas where the sunlight is so bright that I need to adjust the blinds. Could the filtered light be the reason why the first blooms lasted just a month? (Maybe this is a case of needing time to get to know the growth patterns of these particular orchids.)

Should I keep the orchids inside until the "pollen snowfall" is over? I thought a 10-15 degree temperature differentiation was required for flowers to bloom. Am I wrong? And would moving them back and forth (indoors/outdoors) cause problems in getting them to bloom?

I live in Tampa. The days are soon nearing the upper 70s with nights in the 50s-60s. We've had a cooler and longer than usual winter here and since I'm a newbie, I'm unsure what to do.

Forgive the long post, I thought more info would be helpful to you all in offering guidance. I'd really appreciate your advice.


Thanks in advance,

NewBloom