Does Doritis need temperature change?

[Reeses]

Today I put a few phals outside to get the benefit of lower night temps (50s-60s). I know it's a bit late in the season, but my backyard had NO shade until the pergola was finished two weeks ago. Do doritis-type phals need the temp change too? I have a champorensis var. pink that has loads of great roots, but hasn't spiked for me since i got it in bloom.

[naoki]

I hear that there may be some reluctant bloomers within this species. All of mine seem to bloom easily without much changes in the temp or day length (basement temp doesn't change much; most of the time 80/60F). But it might be good to experiment with lower temp for a couple weeks.

[wintergirl]

I have one that I have had for 6 months, I think I might have my first flower spike starting. They are notorious for keikis, so not sure what is going on. It is coming from near the base of the plant, which I believe is where the spike starts. It has been growing indoors but in the last 2 weeks or more the nights are cooler. I also increased the light in the past 2 months. Spike or keiki?

[naoki]

Exciting, Colette. It is a flower spike.

[Reeses]

Thanks, guys! I guess I will wait a little longer, and if it continues to grow well but not flower, maybe I will try putting it outside next year. I have a feeling none of my plants are getting enough light--I only have a north facing window and though I added one of Ray's wonderful LED grow-lights, I have a sneaking suspicion I need at least one other light to start getting results

[Brooke]

No your old Doritis, now Phal, doesn't want a temp change in the fall to bloom. It is a summer bloomer and needs the temps to warm up to get the spikes going.

Mine started blooming in July and is still going strong, It can take really high light compared to other Phals.

Brooke

[wintergirl]

Originally Posted by Brooke

No your old Doritis, now Phal, doesn't want a temp change in the fall to bloom. It is a summer bloomer and needs the temps to warm up to get the spikes going.

Mine started blooming in July and is still going strong, It can take really high light compared to other Phals.

Brooke

Mine is out of season then because it is just now getting it's first spike.

[Brooke]

Originally Posted by wintergirl

Mine is out of season then because it is just now getting it's first spike.

Or it now has the appropriate conditions to bloom. Increasing the light was probably the instigator of the spike.

Here is mine in Aug 28 a couple of years ago. You can see the basal growths it has.

Phal (Doritis) pulcherrima var champornensis Hort. LUR_4589 by Jim Lurton, on Flickr

Brooke

[wintergirl]

Mine has 2 growths, mine is darker/red. It's a buyssoniana (pulcherrima 4 N) Most of my phals bloom twice a year so we shall see what happens with this guy.

Brooke, your plant is lovely.