What determines number of blooms on spike?

[Foogoo]

I guess this can apply to any species but I have mostly phals and oncidiums. When I got them a year or two ago, they came with a good 10 or so blooms on each spike. When I get them to rebloom however, they only give me maybe 5 blooms if I'm lucky.

Is there a secret to number of blooms? Or is it just the perfect combination of temperature, humidity, light and feeding that professional greenhouses can achieve?

[Tim P.]

Originally Posted by Foogoo

just the perfect combination of temperature, humidity, light and feeding that professional greenhouses can achieve?

I would say you hit the nail on the head there. Culture and genetics determine how many flowers your plant will have. A plant grown under optimum conditions will always assumably have the maximum amount of blooms. As for genetics, a plant, such as a paph (for example), that is only supposed to have one bloom, will never get two on the same spike unless its genetics allow it.

That is NOT saying you cant make your plant just as beautiful as a professionally grown one. It just takes more effort.

[RandomGemini]

Great question! I was wondering about this too because I saw a post from another member who has a Phal. Surf Song that's put out a ridiculous number of blooms, I believe the bloom count was in the 40s. I'm pretty proud of the 8 blooms I've gotten to open up on one Phal, so 40 some odd seemed to be insane to me! It was totally gorgeous.. but wow that's a lot of blooms!

[james mickelso]

80% genetics and 20% culture given the culture was adequate to begin with. Genetics plays a very big part. A plant with 40 blooms is multi-branched and genetically produces many flowers and those with single inflorescences produce far fewer given the same adequate culture.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

80% genetics and 20% culture given the culture was adequate to begin with. Genetics plays a very big part. A plant with 40 blooms is multi-branched and genetically produces many flowers and those with single inflorescences produce far fewer given the same adequate culture.

I don't know about the ratios, but I agree that genetics is first, and culture second, but don't forget maturity too, as a plant with more reserves can expends more energy on trying to reproduce, yet still survive.

However, as there isn't anything you can do about the genetics, from the grower's perspective, how well you grow the plant is the key.

[james mickelso]

Very true Ray. Growers breed for color and shape of flower, vigor of the plant, ease of culture, and number of flowers. Species usually have smaller flowers with fewer blooms than hybrids. LC Chia Lin "New City" for instance has red flowers from Saphronitis and ruffles from Brassovola Digbiana (I think). This plant was bred for generations to achieve this look. And then the culture they give it is nearly perfect. We get it and our culture isn't as good so the flowers shrink a little. Breeding is the key.