Phal scape growth question
 

I've pawed through all my books (I'm so hooked on these evil plants) and did a search on the forums and haven't found much on my question-- which is--

From the sight of the first nub of a spike, how long in terms of time (days months) can one expect a Phal to bloom? I imagine it has something to do with the conditions-- so with proper 1000-1500ft candle light in 50% humidity, in-good-health plant, how long can you expect to wait before you see buds opening?

One of my orchids has a spike now and has a new nub growing (doesn't seem to be growing after a week though it looks healthy).

Thanks--

Ryan:biggrin:

Mine normally take in between 2- 3 months. I have never really counted, but it takes a while!

Typically it is about 3 months.

OK so relatively slow growth can be expected. I'm assuming it is a spike to begin with as it is still so small but it is decidedly pointing UP and a new root nearby is pointing DOWN so I'm hoping I'm IDing an actual spike and not something else.

Why? Why must I be obsessed with these insanely cool plants?:roll:

We should start a support group for insanely obsessed people with insanely cool plants. :)

I am watching one too.

I think the average is about 100 days. Mine take about 90-120 days depending on the phal and on the temperature.
As for telling them apart, both the shape and location can help you decide if it's a spike or not. If it's flat and mitten shaped it's a spike, a rounder nubbin is a root. Also, phal spikes always come from the base of a leaf, on the 'narrow' side of the plant. (If you see what I mean!)

Once a spike begins growing (or, making it's appearance), the biggest factor in it's growth is temperature (in my experience). All my winter Phals usually take about 3 to 4 months. My warmer weather Phals, from new spike to blooming, usually takes only 2 months. I've also had one of my winter bloomers, bloom again in spring and the difference in the growth on that same plant was vast.