Getting my first phal to spike?

[en3rmax]

Hi again OB,

My first phal that was brought for me as an easter gift in 09 has never spiked since it's original spike died off, it's really healthy and has grew new leaves and plenty or roots but just no spike.

I repotted it in a good quality douglas fir bark, sponge and perlite mix reccomended by Peter White Orchids i also use a fertilizer reccomended my him too focused on blooming, the repotting was done in March.

Should i try to keep cooler at night to try and make it spike? i really want this phal to bloom

[Call_Me_Bob]

give it a temperature drop.

one of the main reasons people have trouble blooming orchids in too low of light. try bumping it up to higher light. but only SLIGHT! increase and do it slowly as to not burn this little guy

[grasshopper]

I agree that a temperature drop over a 2-3 week time period might do the trick. Usually a 15-20 degree drop in temps at night as compared to daytime temps will induce a spike.

Slightly higher light might help, too, but it's hard to say for sure without knowing what kind of light it's already getting. Can you give us a little more detail on how much light or what type of light (south windowsill, west, north, SE, etc.) it's getting?

[en3rmax]

Thanks for the info, my orchid is in a south facing room with good light through the day but in a slightly more shaded position.

I have five orchids in different positions in the room one for them that was closer to the window spiked in april.

I was thinking of using a fluorescent light to help it, what is the best way to do this?

[Call_Me_Bob]

i would just move it to a sunnier location or move it closer to the window. try that in ADDITION to the temperature drop. they will spike when they are good and ready

[val_and_graham]

Your phal certainly looks healthy. I agree with the other o b members that a distinct temperature drop at night may encourage a flower spike. Also ensure it has as much light as poss. I do not think it will burn in G.B. at this time of year! I own several Peter White orchids which have all provided me with a repeat flower display. Well worth the effort. Good luck.