Is there a secret to mini phals?

[mimigirl]

I can get my normal sized orchids to bloom. But, these little guys are stubborn. Is there a secrect ritual I need to perform? They did get a cool temp drop and in the same conditions as their big sisters. So what gives?

[Arizona Jeanie]

My minis are all in spike right now, the "normal" size phal just won't bloom, but keeps putting out leaves. I'm cutting off all its fertilizer this year, see if that will do it. Want to trade some plants?

[jkofferdahl]

My minis grow in with my other Phals. I only have a few of the hybrid minis, but also a load a equestris(es? equestrii?), braceana, cochlearis, and thailandica. Two equestris(es) are in spike, one is in bloom, and both thailandicas are in spike. In the same grow window I have two stuartianas and three schillerianas in spike/bud as well as a corningiana, and in my second grow area I have Phals anywhere from setting spikes to in bud to in bloom.

My plants grow in two areas, one an east-facing window with light assist, and the other a west-facing window under T5s; the light intensity is just slightly higher than usually called for with Phals without burning them. They get about a 5-10 degree temperature drop at night except in the Fall when it's closer to 15 degrees. I fertilize regularly with a very dilute formula. A majority of my Phals are in basket pots, though some are also mounted, so that the roots get ample air movement and thus require frequent watering.

[mimigirl]

I will be doing some trades this spring. Mostly NOID. Which FB trade pages do you belong?

[No-Pro-mwa]

Strange, I too have luck with my mini's. They are all either spiking, blooming or just getting done.