advice for phal

[rdh1079]

I have a phal that just sprouted a new leaf, should i expect to see a spike soon? i am new to this and still trying to figure out what i should be expecting when, and what to look for....i see a little nub at the base of the plant, not sure if its a spike or another root, you can see it in the background of the pic below (toward the bottom left). i am just looking for some advice to help me to get a spike out of this thing!



i cant see the pic, so here is a link

http://www.flickr.com/photos/heyne/4703438067/

[Tropicgirl]

Can you get a better pic of the growth? It is very hard to see in that one. And don't worry, once you see a few of each it will be pretty easy for you to tell what's what. New spikes will look like "mittens" and new roots will be smooth.

[rdh1079]

i will get a better shot when i get home, i was taking a pic of the leaf in this and only noticed the nub after looking at the picture.

[WhiteRabbit]

Appears to be a root - looks like your plant is growing happily, so hopefully a spike will follow

[rdh1079]

should i be fertilizing more? should i make sure the temperature is within a certain range to make sure it keeps growing?

[Royal]

Phals usually bloom in a particular season. For most "standard" Phals, this is late winter through spring. After flowering, warm weather kicks the plant into growth mode and it puts it's energy into new leaves and roots (hopefully). If it grows well all summer and fall, it should begin to spike by mid-winter with the cooler temps.

[rdh1079]

awesome thanks!

[mspatt]

In the Fall, say September or whenever I bring my plants back inside, I use "bloom booster" instead of the regular fertilizer. Its purpose is just what the label says: flowers!! I don't know if it's being outside for the summer or the fert.,but I get spikes! Take a look in you friendly, local, Lowe's or Home Depot.