Temps for Phal in spike

[malteseproverb]

This is the first time this Phal has rebloomed for me. I've been leaving the window open at night since before it spiked. Should I continue now that it has? The spike is currently tiny. It's been getting as low as 55F at night. Is this too cold? It's 70-75F during the day with the window shut. It sits in the windowsill.

Also, I know that the spike goes in the direction of the sun. Since its growing on a windowsill currently, I need to turn it the other way now, right? Otherwise it will point away from me out the window. Or is it too early.

Sorry for all the specific questions! I'm just very excited about the spike 😀


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[WhiteRabbit]

Congrats on the spike!
I keep my home quite cool in winter and haven't had any problems with Phal spikes (sometimes down to low 50s in the early morning - day temps low-mid 60s)

The spike will grow towards the window no matter which way the plant is turned. You may want to stake the spike when it's long enough to do so without damanging / forcing it.

[bil]

Once it's started, I don't think temp will faze it unless it gets too cold or baking hot.

Be very, very careful if you stake it. Those stems are very easily snapped. Best to do it bit by it, pulling it over as far as you dare each time.

I have given up on staking. I made a special framework for mine to go on, so that the flowers can droop down naturally. I think it's nicer, and this year when the frame is full, it should look pretty good.

I can appreciate that not everyone has the space to do that.

[Leafmite]

Looks great! Congratulations!

[judith_arquette]

Originally Posted by bil

Once it's started, I don't think temp will faze it unless it gets too cold or baking hot.

Be very, very careful if you stake it. Those stems are very easily snapped. Best to do it bit by it, pulling it over as far as you dare each time.

I have given up on staking. I made a special framework for mine to go on, so that the flowers can droop down naturally. I think it's nicer, and this year when the frame is full, it should look pretty good.

I can appreciate that not everyone has the space to do that.

Looking forward to the pics!

[ula]

Hi, congrats, I think you can close the window now . I started out my collection with phals, and I never had trouble blooming them inside, on a shady windowsill- the only temperature variation coming from the sun (since my house's thermostat is set at the same temperature whole year round). This said, I think now you're guaranteed to see bloom, if the buds don't blast.

[Ray]

The study that Dr. Yin-Tung Wang did at Texas A&M, that proved it was a reduction in average growing temperature that led to spike initiation, and not the day/night difference, also showed that spike development was much better if the plant was returned to its normal, very warm conditions afterward.

[malteseproverb]

Thanks everyone! Ray, that is precisely the info I was looking for. I read a study all about spike initiation and temperature, but nothing past the initiation. I think I will go and read that study now