Initiating new spikes

[jasolano]

I'm trying to initiate a new spike on one of my phals. Does anyone have any good advice on how I could do this? It's got a new leaf that sprouted and it's a good size leaf. Would it be safe to let it sit outside overnight in order for it to be be in colder temps? I live in Boston, and the temps are between the high 40's and 60's. I heard that cooler temps can throw them in to spike sprouting mode. Is this true?

[tucker85]

I would like to see what others say about this but I'll say yes, it probably will help to leave your phal outdoors over night. I grow my phals outdoors in Florida and when the nights get below 55 I start to see spikes. What I don't know is how many nights with low temperatures it will take. The other problem is that you don't want your plants outside if it's going to get into the low 40's. I would also place them in a spot where they won't get any wind. Phals do not like the combination of cold and wind. Good luck.

[Kmac]

From what I know, day length/season is also a big deal. In the past, I have killed a phal by letting it get too cold...I left a couple of phals and some catts out in the fall hoping to initiate spikes. The catts were fine, but one phal went into decline & did not recover. I/m not sure how cold it was, but I think upper 40's. I'd be careful.

[jasolano]

Okay, so I decided not to risk it since it's healthy. I have it in a north facing window, and it's getting filtered sunlight and the windows are cracked so that the cool breeze comes in. It's not getting that direct outdoor weather because it's 65 in my house and 54 outside, but feels like 48. What do you guys think?