Phalenopsis bloom sprouts
As indicated by this site, I am an orchid novice, having been given a couple of dendrobiums a year or so ago, and then purchasing several different colors/types as their beauty struck me. Last year when my in-laws were relocating, I rescued a dying phalenopsis. In May of this year, I was surprised to see not one but two bloom spikes coming out beneath the now thriving leaves. To date, late Sept. now, they have grown out to 4-5 in. each, from opposite sides of the plant, but show no indication that they want to take any other direction than straight out, not upward at all.
Is this normal? Should I leave them alone, or begin to gently encourage them to turn upward? Is it also normal for them to be progressing so very slowly? At this rate, it will be next May before they're of any usual length!
As I said, I'm a novice. I currently have my tropical location working very much in my favor, which probably accounts to my success in resurrecting this orchid and in having the others continue to grow and bloom. I "soak" them in a dishpan every 7-10 days, and fertilize about every 3rd or 4th soaking, however, over the last week or so, have been misting them a couple of times a day instead. Any input on which is preferable? I mostly have dendy's, but also a cattelya and vanda, besides the phalenopsis.
Also, we're moving to North Florida in several weeks, and will have to place them into an orchid house over the cooler months, instead of leaving them on the patio yearround as I have been doing. Any tips there?
All input will be greatly appreciated!
Chris Summerlin
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