Is this a root or a spike on my Phal?

[MACH5]

Originally Posted by jai_star

stress the plant give it the coolest temp it can handle for 4 weeks orchid will not flower if too comfortable

Ok. Last night it went down to 40F in my area and the orchid was left outdoors So hopefully it will help trigger something and NOT another root

[orchidsarefun]

that temp is far too low for a phal imho - hybrid or not.

I had a phal that hadn't spiked and I kept it in an unheated room that went to 64f at night ( lowest temp ) and about 77f in the day. Its been 3 months at this regime. Its now spiking after being the only one in my collection that missed spiking in the last year. Maybe my threatening it with the garbage can also helped !

The diurnal temp difference plus day-length change generally triggers a phal to spike. But - as I say - some need it and some don't. My others are all doing well with a minimum temp of around 70f.

[MACH5]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

that temp is far too low for a phal imho - hybrid or not.

I had a phal that hadn't spiked and I kept it in an unheated room that went to 64f at night ( lowest temp ) and about 77f in the day. Its been 3 months at this regime. Its now spiking after being the only one in my collection that missed spiking in the last year. Maybe my threatening it with the garbage can also helped !

The diurnal temp difference plus day-length change generally triggers a phal to spike. But - as I say - some need it and some don't. My others are all doing well with a minimum temp of around 70f.

I've been checking it and no ill effects whatsoever. I will however keep it out of these lower temps then.

[jai_star]

Originally Posted by MACH5

I've been checking it and no ill effects whatsoever. I will however keep it out of these lower temps then.

keep the Phal on the drier side as well with cooler temps it does not need as much watering and this will stressed them out of course do not leave them bone dry

[MACH5]

Originally Posted by jai_star

keep the Phal on the drier side as well with cooler temps it does not need as much watering and this will stressed them out of course do not leave them bone dry

Yes thank you! I have been cutting back on watering but a good reminder for sure!

[LuvPhals]

I would be afraid of a 40 degree temp. That just seems too cold for them ... brrr.

[MACH5]

Ok some of you said to be patient with my Phal. You said that in no time it would spike. Well let me just say that... you were right!!

Just took some pics of the tiny spike. And that root is looking a little PHAL lic?!!

[jai_star]

A great start to a fabulous spike congrats don't skip on the bloom fertilizer !

[MACH5]

Thanks jai_star! Will do