Phalaenopsis with alot of leaves and roots - Orchid Board

katied · #1 11-20-2011, 07:10 AM

I was wondering when should a Phalaenopsis grow a flower spike if it has alot of roots and leaves? I have two Phals that have been growing in wooden hanging baskets and they have loved it. One of them is a yellow NOID Phal that has 13 leaves and the other is a Phalaenopsis 'Bonita' that has 11 leaves. The Phal 'Bonita' has been kept in a shop for years not taken care of and then I saved it about a year ago. The yellow NOID Phal was a Peloric Yellow Phal when I bought it but I was told it might not be Peloric the next time it blooms.
Overall, I was wondering if these plants have plenty of leaves and a lot of leaves then when wouldn't they make flower spikes??? I have gotten three of my Phals to bloom/flower spikes this year so I think I have done something right. I was just curious if anyone had any information about Phals that would help me encourage them to start growing flower spikes and not just leaves???

Lagoon · #2 11-20-2011, 07:31 AM

Hi Katied, welcome aboard

Could you please tell us about you're lighting and fertilizing method ......

johnblagg · #3 11-20-2011, 08:19 AM

cooler temps help

tucker85 · #4 11-20-2011, 08:52 AM

Phals usually bloom once a year. When they bloom depends on what species they're related to. Many of the larger phals bloom in the fall and they're often encouraged to bloom by lower than normal temperatures at night. Some phals, including some of the smaller ones, are summer bloomers. They are often sequential bloomers starting in the spring. Your plants sound like they're healthy so I would expect them to bloom in their normal blooming cycle. Just be patient. Good luck.

silken · #5 11-20-2011, 10:44 AM

When our fall temperatures started to dip just about all of my phals initiated spikes.

sii · #6 11-20-2011, 11:41 AM

I have a NOID phal with lots of leaves and roots. Recently it put forth a stem. What I've learned about my orchids is that I don't move them from their east window. I even return them to their original space after watering. Seems they're happy here, so I don't know if this has something to do with it. Good luck. Patience will reward you!

katied · #7 11-20-2011, 01:35 PM

I fertilize all of my orchids about every two weeks and they were outside in my backyard getting morning sun and some mid day sun but not much. I had to take them out of there woodenanything hanging pots because they fell apart. I am going to be patient and wait to see what happens. They look really healthy and seem happy. Thanks for the advice