How do I get my phalaenopsis to spike again?

[jimkamal]

Hey there everyone! I was wondering if anyone can tell me how to get my phalaenopsis to flower again? I got the plant at a farmer's market in in Honolulu, Hawai'i. It's a Dtps. Minho Princess 'SJ'. It just grew one whole new leaf and has been repotted in a phalaenopsis mix that I bought from lowes. It had a spike when i bought it that branched out and had multiple flowers on it. It's put in my home and the temperature right now is 84F/77F. The indoor humidity is 58%. I heard that phals need to have a drop in temperature at night in order to encourage bloom. We don't have an A/C in the house to do so, and don't plan on getting one just for that. Any suggestions?

[tucker85]

Be patient. Phals usually bloom once a year. Although it's true that a drop in temperature can initiate spiking on some phals, I've had phals spike when grown in my living room with no temperature changes. I would just take good care of the plant and sooner or later it will probably decide to bloom.

[Zoi2]

What kind of light are you giving the phal?
Joann

[camille1585]

Me too I've also found that a sharp drop in temps for the night is not really necessary for blooming, even small changes will do. Even in Hawaii I assume that there is some variation in temperature, and that should be enough. For blooming good light (very bright indirect light or dappled shade), and regular watering/fertilizer is going to be more important.

[InspirChid1712]

I'd suggest feeding it with a bloom booster and keeping it outside during a cold snap... always works for me! Also, try adding epsom salts to the fertilizer water at a rate of 1tsp per gallon. Coupled with cool nights, it seems to encourage spiking and boost the flower count!