Crying emoji! (lack of success with longtime Phals)

[Paul]

If all else is good, then as was mentioned earlier, phals generally want a 10degee drop between day and night temps to initiate spiking.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Paul

If all else is good, then as was mentioned earlier, phals generally want a 10degee drop between day and night temps to initiate spiking.

Even though this is what is frequently said about Phals, it's not quite correct. Spiking is initiated by a general cooling down of both night and day temperatures, and not by a stronger drop at night. The general cooling off happens naturally for us in the fall.

AOS published a wonderfully informative series of articles 10 years ago, and the temperature control of growth, spike induction (and spike number, bloom count) and finishing off (at a commercial production level) is very well explained: http://www.aos.org/AOS/media/Content...halsPart_3.pdf

[gingersmommy]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Even though this is what is frequently said about Phals, it's not quite correct. Spiking is initiated by a general cooling down of both night and day temperatures, and not by a stronger drop at night. The general cooling off happens naturally for us in the fall.

AOS published a wonderfully informative series of articles 10 years ago, and the temperature control of growth, spike induction (and spike number, bloom count) and finishing off (at a commercial production level) is very well explained: http://www.aos.org/AOS/media/Content...halsPart_3.pdf

Thank you; I will read this thoroughly!

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by gingersmommy

Thank you; I will read this thoroughly!

Just a note, you absolutely don't need to attempt to create this in your home. Unless you run heating/AC that maintains a regular temperature year round, when it starts to cool in the fall spikes will be induced. Professionals do fine-tune their greenhouse temperature because it's essential to have a good crop of sellable plants, to time the blooming when they need it, and get double spikes.

If you like the article, Google 'growing the best phalaenopsis, part 1,2 and 4'. (maybe a 5 as well, I'm not sure)

[gingersmommy]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Just a note, you absolutely don't need to attempt to create this in your home. Unless you run heating/AC that maintains a regular temperature year round, when it starts to cool in the fall spikes will be induced. Professionals do fine-tune their greenhouse temperature because it's essential to have a good crop of sellable plants, to time the blooming when they need it, and get double spikes.

If you like the article, Google 'growing the best phalaenopsis, part 1,2 and 4'. (maybe a 5 as well, I'm not sure)

Thank you; I love information - and pictures! I do have a heater in my "plant room," (spare bedroom), however, I have been keeping it at a constant temp of about 73/74. Last night I lowered it to 68; my sister told me just Weds. night that they like a little difference bet. day/night. I don't think I'll keep them above 74. My electric bill is going to be a killer, otherwise.

[camille1585]

Yes, electricity bills are a very good reason to reduce the night temperature anyway!
If you read the article you'll see that there always is a day night difference, but both get raised or lowered according to the culture phase.

[gingersmommy]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Yes, electricity bills are a very good reason to reduce the night temperature anyway!
If you read the article you'll see that there always is a day night difference, but both get raised or lowered according to the culture phase.

I found this quite interesting and have read 1-4 - thank you. I didn't know they liked a temp variation under normal conditions - just thought it was for trying to initiate a spike. Maybe I will raise to 76 day/68 night. Thanks, again. And I read about the bark and stuff I have them in. I believe my medium needs to be watered more often than 1xwk. I am going to try either 5 or 6 days and keep a watch on them. The one where the roots are white is in my largest pot, and that dries out before 7 days. The other ones are in smaller pots, many of them with the open slits. I'm sure they are even more dry. I am learning a lot and getting there.