Many spikes on phal, please help

[KerryK]

Hi,

I am new to orchids. I have owned this phal for two years. I wish that it came with a handbook. I have made many errors. I repotted it last year and started watering it weekly weakly with 19-31-19 orchid fertilizer. I read that this fertilizer many encourage new growth, but not necessarily blooms. So this last week I changed to 20-20-20.

The plant currently sits in a western bay window where it get indirect light all day. I live in Michigan in the woods and my house is quite shaded. My southern windows are dark since I have a front porch. I have one eastern window, but it receives partial shade as well. I have few windows to work with.

My questions are:

-what is going on with all these spikes?
-what do I need to be doing to help the plant?
-is it getting enough light?
-can I move it to the outdoor deck with partial shading?

Thank you!

Kerry

[Ross]

Everything looks fine. The new green shoots are new roots - a good thing. When the spikes finish dropping the blossoms, I prefer to cut the spike off near the base of the plant (doesn't matter where, as long as you don't damage the leaf base.) I'm in Cadillac, and I have a really big one in a south-facing window. It gets full sun on the leaves (when the sun shines ) but there is also a window screen. Phals can take some really bright light which will encourage large leaf growth and new flower spikes. I fertilize with a really weak fertilizer mix every time I water.

Where in Western Michigan are you? And welcome to the board.

[Amanda L]

Yup, new roots. That's always good! You could move it outside as long as it doesn't get direct mid-day sun. Morning sun is the best. Good luck and Welcome to the Orchid Board.

[quiltergal]

Yep those are all roots. You can take the stakes out. Brighter liight will really help, but not direct sunlight. Cooler temps in the fall are what usually triggers my Phals. to spike. If you keep your house very warm during fall and winter that may be part of your issue. They need about a 10 degree difference between day and night temps to set spikes. You won't see anything but leaf and root growth during the summer unless it's a novelty hybrid that blooms in the summer. As we head into fall keep the temp difference in mind.

[dounoharm]

ditto quiltergall....those arent spikes but nice healthy roots! give em more light and it should actually bloom for you....gl

[quietmorning]

Kerry, I'm new too. . .but I agree with everyone else, beautiful healthy looking roots. The only thing I would add is that you don't push them back under the surface of the medium, but let them grow out over the medium. . . phals need to have quite a few roots on the top.

[Pantsonfire]

Roots have a blunt rounded point. You can cut those above ground roots off without hurting the plant. They can get water from the air, and can help stabilize the plant. When a spike does form, it will look like a little green mitten on the end. When you see a flower spike, you'll have flowers in no time. Maybe 3-4 months.

[KerryK]

Dear Group,

So all those are roots--even the tall ones that I have tied up? If so, and I untie them should I cut them back to fit in the pot?

One of you said that blooming spikes have "mitten" like end. Is there a website with a picture so I know what to look for?

I live in Rockford, MI. I am really excited about this group. I am glad to have found you and to have joined.

Thanks so much!!

Kerry

[quietmorning]

Originally Posted by KerryK

Dear Group,

So all those are roots--even the tall ones that I have tied up? If so, and I untie them should I cut them back to fit in the pot?

One of you said that blooming spikes have "mitten" like end. Is there a website with a picture so I know what to look for?

I live in Rockford, MI. I am really excited about this group. I am glad to have found you and to have joined.

Thanks so much!!

Kerry

You can see what an orchid spike looks like (the tip) HERE.

[RosieC]

Hi Kerry, personally I would let the roots stay, Phals like having arial roots which can absorb moisture from the air.

I can't find a pic of a new spike just now but I thought I has one so I'll keep looking.