How many bloom stalks should be on my Phal.

[denvervet]

I have a beautiful Phal that I got about a year ago, I rescued it although it was not sick, it was a "just add ice" orchid and I shuddered the thought someone would buy it and follow the directions....Anyhow, this Phal has had AMAZING leaf growth, INCREDIBLE thick roots and lots of growth there! When I got it, it had two flower spikes, this year it only has one, is there a rhyme or reason for this. It is under a huge skylight attached to a flat roof that gets light all day and no sun, all my Phals love it there. I water it when it dries out and feed about 1 or 2 times a month with Miracle Grow plant food as directed. This Phal has no name, didn't come with one. Another bad thing about "Just Add Ice" Orchids. I have many different types of orchids, I have never seen them grow as well as this Phal and my other Phals, accept for maybe my Brassia.....its a WEED! Anyone have an information about # of flower stalks? The one that is up has buds on it, will I maybe get another? Ya think?

---------- Post added at 01:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:41 PM ----------

P.S. Miracle Grow ORCHID Plant Food.......

[Ray]

The number of inflorescences is most strongly controlled by genetics, and then by the vigor of the plant.

Even "Just Add Ice" orchids are grown in greenhouses prior to distribution, so the overall growing conditions are likely better than what most folks can provide.

[denvervet]

And I'll bet they dont water with ice! ha ha. Thanks for clearing that up. I appreciate it.

[RosieC]

I find that mine usually have less spikes on repeat flowerings than when I bought them. As Ray says the nurseries have prime conditions for promoting spikes that are difficult to re-create at home.

It's also genetics, but I would say a phal with two spikes when bought will generally produce one at a time in your standard household conditions. I have a phal I bought with 5 spikes and this year it's producing 3 spikes for me.

[denvervet]

Thanks, the plant is so healthy and now you guys have cleared it up for me.

[camille1585]

Commercial growers also tinker with temperature and such, to promote multiple spikes on their Phals. We can't fine tune our growing conditions as well, so having less spikes that the 'original' blooming is frequent.
And like Ray says, genetics plays a huge part. Even Phals for years in my care usually produce 1 spike, sometimes 2, and then I also have a handful of Phals that consistently produce 3-4 at a time.

[denvervet]

Thanks Camile, I really love my Phals although I have many different kinds of Orchids.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by denvervet

---------- Post added at 01:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:41 PM ----------

P.S. Miracle Grow ORCHID Plant Food.......

What is the formula, how much do you mix per gallon, and how often do you feed?

I ask because a lot of nitrogen will foster spectacular vegetative growth, but can actually quash blooming...

[denvervet]

I use Miracle Grow Orchid food, its 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water, I let the water run through the pot over the sink. I do this twice monthly for the Phals. What are your thoughts on that? The Phals are over a humidity tray since I live in Colorado and we have little to no humidity here. I mist them every morning.