Phals won't bloom - Orchid Board

Paul Mc · #1 05-12-2012, 12:11 AM

One three out of my many phals bloomed this year! I asked on another forum and got great info, but wanted you input as well.

I've never not had a phal bloom in years, but I guess with my greatly increased collection something has changed. My first guess was the fact that we went from summer weather to below freezing within one week. Not enough time for my phals to stay outside to trigger the temperature cues. However, I've had them in an enclosed back porch with windows where the temps have been averaging (guessing) between 60f to about 80f, a few. Others down to about 56.

I will admit though that they only get a lot of heavy evening sun at the moment. I understand that increased light is also a factor.

A few a would not expect to bloom as they were in bad shape when I got them last year, however almost all of them?!!!! I have no clue.

The temps have been in the posted lows for about 4 weeks now. Would have thought I would have seen something by now. My cornu-cervi is even sprouting new roots, which the speaker at the OS tonight said you would see spikes before new roots, but perhaps summer bloomers are different. I'm going to look at the others roots tomorrow morning.

What else would you suggest? Just patience? LOL...

Zoi2 · #2 05-12-2012, 12:34 AM

I would think light would be your biggest factor, if your plants are healthy.
Joann

tucker85 · #3 05-12-2012, 08:58 AM

Phals, like other orchids, build up energy and blooming potential during the spring and summer growing period so that they can flower later. It's important that they get adequate nutrients, water and sunlight during that time. I find that if a plant has a set-back during the summer it may not bloom later. A couple of my phals got too dry when I went on vacation last summer and those two didn't flower this year. If all else is equal, I would increase the light they're receiving. Also it helps if the fertilizer you're using gets most of it's nitrogen from nitrate rather than urea or ammonium. As you already know, a few phals are summer bloomers also. Good luck.

orchidsarefun · #4 05-12-2012, 03:33 PM

I had a non-blooming phal, don't understand why because it was kept in exactly the same conditions as the others. It was however a big-box store cheapo and my theory

is that they are forced to bloom out of season by the grower and it then takes a year or 2 for the plant to adjust. I will have to see what happens this year ! Another thing is that my phals do not go outside during summer........maybe I should put that deviant outside

Paul Mc · #5 05-12-2012, 04:22 PM

LOL... Well, I'm telling them that if they don't bloom, I'm putting them in the full 110f sun come summer, ROFL... Trying to scare them a bit, doesn't seem to be working though.

Only 2 were rescues so I wouldn't expect them to yet, but the others came in great health. Perhaps I need to wait another year though... I'm sad.