Spikes...and leaves??

[calypsoB]

So for the first time my phals were spiking. The first one bud blasted and then started a leaf, but the spike is still there (is not dead). The other phal has a healthy spike and is also growing a new leaf. In fact every one of my phals started new leaves at the same time. What is going on? Did this happen because I accidentally left my door open overnight and they got too cold? I have no idea why one phal blasted all buds (even the ones which hadn't developed yet) and the other didn't. I would love some enlightenment on the matter!

[zxyqu]

During good culture, Phals can easily throw leaves, spikes, and new roots all at the same time. How the spikes initiated is somewhat debatable, but a general cooling for 2-3 weeks generally sets a spike off, and then the rest of spiking is culture related (good culture, no blast generally, not so good culture, and you get stalling, blast, etc). Sounds like they are just enjoying the recent warm up from the spring starting and are starting all their new seasons growth. So you're doing something right.

[Mira-Claude]

From experience with accidents, if a phal is ready to spike, a cold, but tolerable for them, shock can get them to act faster. Even if the sock is only a few hours long. Though I would not consider this method as part of a good growing culture because of the risks, it can be quite efficient.
The bud blast happens to me mostly when the ambient humidity is too low.
However, for the leaves, it could be just as zxyqu said, that warmth and a slight increase in light might be just the trick.
This is nothing scientific, just stuff I noticed in the last years...

[zxyqu]

Part of the culture I'm speaking of definitely includes adequate humidity. However, some rebloomings, once the plant has established itself in your environment, can be less affected by humidity. Especially if you are in an area where humidity remains constant from season to season. I have really good humidity, and what I think is pretty good culture, and every so often a plant decides it doesn't like me and blasts a bud... Grrr...

[Mira-Claude]

So I am not the only one!
I have a few tricky ones that seem t like to blast... but research always point to the same thing... humidity. Oh well! I'll find a way!

[tucker85]

I think all your phals are growing new leaves because it's springtime. Plants respond to the longer days (photoperiod) by starting to grow faster.

Bud blast is an unfortunate occurance that every orchid grow experiences. There are many causes and it's usually impossible to figure out what caused it. Some orchids are more prone to bud blast than others.