Phal. spike lengths and numbers of buds

[OrchidThief79]

I'm relatively new to orchids, but I'm proud to say I have managed to re-bloom several Phals. While I'm happy to have blooms at all, I noticed that the spikes didn't grow as long as they were when I bought them in bloom. And shorter spikes mean fewer blooms. So I have two questions.

Do the spikes grow in length, then stop and start to develop buds? So once the spike stops growing in length, it won't grow any longer once the buds develop, correct?

What factors are important in growing the longest spikes with the most buds? Would more sunlight help? Heavier fertilizing?

Thanks!

[tucker85]

The spikes do not stop growing and then form buds. The spike begins to grow and during it's formation the buds begin to form. When the buds are very small the spike is usually still continuing to grow. Some phals will produce another bud or two even after the other flowers are open. I recently read an article on spike and bud formation. The article says that growing phals a little cooler than normal and a little brighter light will produce more flower spikes and more buds. Growing phals in temperatures over 80 degrees produces longer flower spikes but fewer buds. The article did not say how cool or how bright to grow them. It also said that continuing to fertilize phals when they're in spike will benefit flowering but that after the spike reaches 10", fertilizing will not produce more flowers. It didn't mention phals whose spikes are normally shorter. It also said that phals that receive some fertilizer while in bloom, will hold their flowers longer.
Some phals will not spike in very warm conditions (mid to high 80's). In Asia growers keep show phals very warm for a couple of years to inhibit spiking. The plants will build up flowering potential and produce lots of flowers when the temperature is dropped to produce flowering.

[OrchidThief79]

Interesting information. Thanks! I don't think I'm quite ready to start manipulating temperatures. Maybe one day I'll have the space for a separate greenhouse devoted to chilling plants.

[quiltergal]

Something else that contributes to flower count and vigor of the spike is the overall health of the plant. The more energy it can store between bloom cycles the better the next bloom cycle will be. Maybe that is why the Taiwanese force them into a couple of years of vegetative growth before letting them bloom.

[Wynn Dee13]

I read an article in one of the American Orchid Society's Orchids magazine about the Asian growers and how they prepare their Phals for showing. They force the plants to grow leaves for a few years and don't let them spike by keeping them warm. It allows the plants to build up energy for spiking. Then when they are ready they let them spike and they have huge, multiple spikes with tons of flowers. It is quite impressive. I don't remember the details but that was the gist of it.

Congrats on your blooms! Enjoy them and hopefully next time they will have more flowers!