As I understand it comercial growers keep them warm, then drop the temperatures to initiate spiking, and they do it at any time of year which is why you see blooming phals in the shops all year long.
However, to ensure they set a spike, they first keep them warm enough to inhibit spiking for 18+ months, as well as feeding with high nitrogen in that time. This actually inhibits flowering an encourages growth ensuring the plant is strong and over-due for flowering before they drop the temperatures and lower the nitrogen.
My understanding is that a drop in temperatures will initiate it, rather than needing a particular temperature, and that it doesn't need a night/day difference. However unless the plant is ready to flower it won't make any difference. Many of mine set spikes in June/July this year, which was cold for the time of year over here. Most of those that did though were ones which had not flowered in a long time (one of them had not flowered in a couple of years).
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