Phals still blooming? To late in year? - Orchid Board

Phal grower · #1 07-18-2011, 05:51 PM

Hi, I have Phals that are still in bloom. These are all fairly new, March and April, Lowe's purchases. They all seem to be doing pretty well. My question is this, Is it late in the year for these to still be blooming? They are also putting out new leaves but I thought they should be done blooming by now so they could put all they're energy in to the leaves. Is this a problem?

Eyebabe · #2 07-18-2011, 06:01 PM

I generally let the plants bloom until the stalk gets long enough that it looks awkward. Sure if you want the growth energy to go into the leaf you would cut the spike...it's a trade off.
If the stalk is kind of long with only a few blooms left, like I said, I'd cut it back and leave a node for a new branch. Then you get your energy to the leaf and don't have too wait to long for a new spike and blooms.

WhiteRabbit · #3 07-19-2011, 01:14 AM

I have a couple of sequentially blooming (no id) Phals (and other orchids) that spike, bloom, and grow at the same time

Some have definite grow-bloom cycles, while others just seem to always be growing regardless of what time of year, or if there are spikes

silken · #4 07-19-2011, 02:01 AM

3 of mine are still in bloom and one has a fairly small spike that I noticed a few weeks ago. It doesn't seem to be a problem for any of mine to be in bloom at this time.

PaphMadMan · #5 07-19-2011, 05:03 PM

Contrary to popular belief it is not possible for a healthy mature orchid to bloom itself to death. That your plant is growing as well as flowering for extended months is just an indication that it is in good health and getting excellent care, and the genetic potential of that plant. If you were trying to have plants in bloom for a specific season to sell or show, or you were trying to get maximum flower quality for judging, you might want to manage your plants differently, and that is where some confusion in recommendations may come from. Relax and enjoy.

Call_Me_Bob · #6 07-19-2011, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaphMadMan

Contrary to popular belief it is not possible for a healthy mature orchid to bloom itself to death. That your plant is growing as well as flowering for extended months is just an indication that it is in good health and getting excellent care, and the genetic potential of that plant. If you were trying to have plants in bloom for a specific season to sell or show, or you were trying to get maximum flower quality for judging, you might want to manage your plants differently, and that is where some confusion in recommendations may come from. Relax and enjoy.

well put!

Phal grower · #7 07-19-2011, 07:30 PM

Thanks everyone. I am constantly thinking of new things to worry about. lol

RosieC · #8 07-29-2011, 07:38 AM

I agree with the above. Phals can bloom throughout the year when healthy. Many tend to be triggered by slight cooling of the weather, which means they TEND to be in spring (after being triggered over the winter) but a cold spell at any time can trigger a healthy plant to bloom. I have about 6 spiking now after a warm April and cool May.

Added to this, commercial growers can make them flower on demand at any time of year (by control of temperatures). If you have only just bought it the plant will still be blooming based on when they triggered it to bloom.

If the plant were not happy keeping it's blooms then it would drop them. Nothing to worry about.