Phals no flower spikes

[vermeer_groupie]

I'm very new to the orchid growing scene and I desperately want to not kill a bunch of orchids. Please forgive me if this question has been posted a bunch. I searched and didn't find what I was looking for. I have 3 phals (the type you most frequently see for sale in grocery stores and whatnot), one new and in bloom and the other two are about are about two years old, the other maybe a year and a halfish. One of them bloomed for quite a while, 9 months or so, and then after the spikes were done blooming, probably last may or so, I cut it back to the last couple of nodes (after watching a youtube clip a million times). The plant has done nothing in the mean time, except maybe grow a couple of leaves. The other bloomed for a while, maybe not as long as the first, and I let the flower spikes turn brown first and then cut them back. This one hasn't done anything either.

I'm not sure what the problem has. I keep them moist, but I try not to overwater them and the leaves look pretty healthy. Maybe a tad too dark, but then I again I have nothing to reference it too. I'm not 100% sure they are getting enough light because my house tends to be either too dark or too bright. One of the plants (they are all in the same room on the same table) has a slight red tinge to the leaves, which I've heard means too much light, right?) I'm going to go out and get some grow lights just in case.

Both plants have had a cooling period, which I read was needed, but maybe they got too cold? The house probably didn't get below 60 or so. I also have humidity trays for them.

Anyways, to make a long question short, what can I do to get some flower spikes? If I need to post pictures to show their conditions I will. I really want to figure this stuff out, especially since I just got a beautiful lady slipper orchid.

[dounoharm]

it could be that it just isnt the time for them to bloom....phalaenopsis have certain times of year that they offer thier flowers, when you buy them sometimes they are artificially induced to flower at a time that is not natural for them....so dont worry, give them time to come back to thier natural cycle...and i am sure they will bloom for you, just be patient....gl!

[Royal]

Hi and welcome!

It sounds like they are healthy. Sometimes it takes a few seasons to get large enough to support a second flush of blooms. Blooming takes energy, and that energy is built up all year as it grows. New leaves and new roots is a good sign that it's happy.

Assuming they are healthy and growing well, I'd bet the reason for no blooms would be too little light. You mentioned that they are on a table. Is that table by a window? Being next to a window can also help achieve cooler temps in fall and winter to help initiate flowering.

[nutgirl]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

My first orchid was a Phalaenopsis and it languished for a couple of years until I started to get the hang of things.

I find that they bloom better with more light. They can take quite a bit so long as it does not make the leaves hot - they burn quite easily.

Maureen

[Tropicgirl]

It took 2 years for one of mine to rebloom (one I got from the grocery store). I would give it more time and maybe a little more light. Mine did not spike until it was moved outside to my shaded patio. What is your fertilizing schedule?

[vermeer_groupie]

They are currently all on a table by an upstairs window. It doesn't get a whole lot of light because it's near an overhang, but I'm going to supplement with some florescent bulbs. I don't fertilize at all right now because I'm afraid of overdoing it and hurting them. Does anyone have any recommendations of a good brand and how often? Is once a month enough? or is every week preferable?
Thanks for all the quick and fast replies! You guys are awesome!

[RosieC]

My Phals bought recently and blooming at the end of last year have not spiked again even with the cooling period. I think they just aren't ready to flower again just yet.

I wouldn't worry too much. Just keep giving them the best care you can.

[Izzie]

Member Ray Barkalow has a GREAT page for beginners and oldbies alike- has answered many questions. He has an extensive section about fertilizing: First Rays' Free Info


I've had a similar experience with store-bought Phals- I have a feeling they just need a rest after being forced to bloom for the vendor.

[dounoharm]

the light issue is probably at the root of the problem....phals need a certain amount of light to form flowers....sitting on a table with an overhang over the window is about as low light as a plant can exist....but not good for flowering....

[vermeer_groupie]

I ran out and bought some florescent lights and I'm hoping that it will help. Thanks for the advice everyone!