Spikeless Phals

[Chippy28]

At little back story... I first became interested in orchids about 4 years ago when I was given my first Phal for my apartment while I was living at school. Since then I have acquired 3 more. They loved my apartment as it was kept relatively warm and had a nice shaded southern window. One of my orchids even produced 2 separate spikes about 6 months apart. About a year and a half ago, I moved home (about 45 minutes away from the university) and my orchids took up residence in my western facing (though again a bit shaded) window in my bedroom. Unfortunately, my mom doesn't share my love of plants all over the house and my orchids have remained in my room. Anyway, since my move, my orchids have thrived...producing many beautiful leaves and roots. However, none of them have produced a spike.

While although I love my orchids, I am getting a bit frustrated with the lack of blooms. As far as I know, the only thing that has changed is the type of light they get and possibly the temperature (my parents tend to keep the house cooler than my apartment was). I know the light and temperature probably have a lot to do with my problem, but I am not quite sure what to do. Any advice? Thanks!

[tuvoc]

Hi Chippy. From your description, my first guess would be temps. Phals need a 10 degree or so drop in temp between day and night to start spiking. Your beedroom might be staying too close to the same all the time. Try to cool them off at night for a while and see what happens. Be paitent. These guys have a mind of their own, and may just being difficult. Good luck.

Kim

[quiltergal]

I think it's both light and temps. I had a phal in a west window for about a year and it did nothing but grow big dark green leaves. It looked healthy but never bloomed. About 6 months ago I moved it to a south window and even added T5 lights and it's now spiking. The temps in the house are around 68 but warmer in the grow area due the the southern exposure and the heat from the lights. I'd say max around 78 during the day. At night temps drop down to about 60-63. I'd look into supplemental lighting if you can't move them. The lighting will also bring the daytime temps up just a little.

[Chippy28]

Thanks Kim and Terri. I am thinking that I am going to need to invest in some artificial light. Seeing that I know nothing about this subject. What should I look into? Would an everyday lamp set up next to them work? Is there any good resources that can help me out?