Re-blooming Phalaenopsis

[GreenGirl]

I have had these phalaenopsis for a few years and they have not re-bloomed. I have one sitting on moist pebbles and the other is in an orchid pot. I just recently moved them to a window where they receive bright light. Previously they were getting fairly low light. I feed them every 2 weeks with orchid fertilizer and water them every week. The room they are in now does not have a heating vent, so it is cooler at night than their previous location. Does anyone have input on how to get them to re-bloom?

[johnblagg]

sounds like you have already figured out how to rebloom them ...LOl cooler temps will usualy do that.Just be carefull they dont get sunburn from the move from low light to a bright window to quickly....if possible maybe set them on a small table you can set farther from the window and move it closer over a week or so if it is a lot more light than previous.Or a sheer curtain at first

[nutgirl]

From the looks of your plants, they are healthy but maybe not enough light.

John's advice about the light is correct. Gradual adjustment is a good idea.
They can grow in bright light but they don't want direct sunlight. It will improve your chances of blooming.

How strong is your fertilizer mix? If you feed every two weeks, it should be a weaker mix than is directed on the label.

Maureen

[quiltergal]

I think the cool down is key. They need at least a 10 degree difference between day and night temps to initiate spiking.

What direction does your window face, and does it get any direct sunlight? With the increase in light you should start to see your new leaves turn a lighter green which is good. You'll probably also notice that the leaves don't grow quite as long.

I feed my Phals weekly at 125ppm N, and everything seems happy. I don't fertilize plants that like a winter rest, or others that like a slightly dormant period during the winter.

[Zoi2]

When was the last time the plants were repotted? You'll get better growth from your plants in fresh potting medium.
Joann

[GreenGirl]

The window faces west and gets afternoon sun. The fertilizer is 19-31-17. I haven't re-potted the plants for a couple of years... Should they get a bigger pot or just fresh medium? Thanks for all the tips!

[mspatt]

The pot size will depend on the size of the root mass. The pot should not be much bigger than what will fit them. If you have a lot of aerial roots, soak the whole plant for a couple of hours to make the roots more pliable.

You definitely need fresh medium every couple of years (sooner if you can see that the medium is decaying and holding too much water)