Phalaenopsis wont spike!

[pikuangel]

About 4-5 years ago, I bought my first phal. Before I knew much about them, I cut the spike completely off because I thought that's what you were supposed to do. Now, many years later, it still hasn't produced a new spike. The leaves are green and it continues to grow additional leaves and roots. How do I get it to bloom again?? I don't even remember what color it is because it has been ages since I've seen it bloom. Is there anything I can do??!

[Erce]

phal like temps from 16 to around 22 degrees - but a spike-help can be to put them somwhere colder, but never less then 16 for some weeks and drive them on the dryside!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Erce

phal like temps from 16 to around 22 degrees - but a spike-help can be to put them somwhere colder, but never less then 16 for some weeks and drive them on the dryside!

Ummm...

Erce, the person's from the US. You gotta type in whether you're referring to Celsius or Farenheit.

I understand you're from Europe, so in this case, you're referring to Celsius.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

16 C = 61 F

But, Erce's right. Keep the temperatures cool for about a month, no lower than 60 F, make sure there's at least a 10 degree F difference between night and day. Then grow warmer. This will usually initiate a spike.

Unless...

They've not been fertilized at all.

Have they been fertilized?

Or if humidity is pretty low.

[LauraN]

I agree they do need cold temps to spike, which is sometimes hard in Florida, but with the cold weather we've been having they all seem to be fine. I've heard that they like to have a difference between day and night of at least 20 degrees, but I'm no Phal expert!

[WhiteRabbit]

How much light does your plant receive?

[pikuangel]

I water it usually once a week, the temp ranges from 68-73 degrees, I use bark, and an orchid growth formula. I have attached a few pictures of the setup I have, and as you can see, I have one on the left that blooms fine (purple) and the one on the right is the one that I've had for 4-5 years that just sits there. I do the same thing for both of them. I have the shades closed for picture purposes only.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Lighting appears to be fine.

Roots appear to be good.

You fertilize, excellent. Although you mentioned what kind of fertilizer you use. It would also help to mention in the future the N-P-K ratio, and the brand. It's also useful to know if the fertilizer is urea free or not. Again, these are side notes for the future.

The temperatures are too constant. This is the reason why your Phals won't bloom.

Like Erce had mentioned. Drop the temperatures to no lower than 60 F for about a month and kick the temperature back up.

This is how the nurseries get these guys to bloom whenever they want, when they really only bloom once or twice a year.

[pikuangel]

Thanks for all the help! I will try putting it into a cooler temp for a month to see if I get any results! I bought this growth formula from missouri botanical gardens that is grow more 20-10-20 green, urea free. Thanks again! I hope this help!

[quiltergal]

One other thing that might be a factor. The pot you have it in is way to big for the size of the plant. The next time you repot I'd go down one whole pot size. The lower temps and regular feeding are key as well.