Phals will NOT spike!

[corrie]

Howdy! I am new here and have looked for answers to this problem to no avail. Sorry if I've missed it!

I have 5 beautiful phal orchid plants. I repotted them close to 2 years ago and have not been able to get them to spike since then. I do not over-water or over-fertilize. I repotted them in a phal mix I bought from an online retailer. They get filtered light and are away from drafts. I bought humidity trays this fall for them. I moved them near an open window when the night temperature was around 50-60 degrees. STILL NO SPIKES! I posted a picture of 3 of them below. They seem otherwise healthy.

I'm frustrated and don't know what to do! My husband suggested I try an online forum where experts could weigh in! I sincerely appreciate any help or suggestions!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Your plants look really healthy. My first guess is they need more light. They all look very dark green. These type of phal orchids need to look light pale/yellow green when they get enough light. And if you have a purple/red one - the leaves will even turn a little red on the ends and underside when they get enough light to bloom. The temp drop should work well so I say - increase the light. Do so slowly so that you do not cause burns.

cheers,
BD

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Oh yes, here is an article with some photos that will help: http://www.rv-orchidworks.com/orchid...look-like.html

cheers,
BD

[corrie]

Thanks for your help. I have them in a bright room near a skylight, but maybe that isn't enough. I'll try and find them a better location in my home! Thanks again!

[Ryan Young]

I agree with Brutal Dreamer, they look like they could use more light, and when they are satisfied with stronger looking growths, what actually sets a Phal to create a flower spike is a temperature drop of approx. 10 degrees average temp from summer high to late fall temps. Sustained for more than 3 weeks.
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[cdayinflorida]

HI, all good advice! Welcome from Florida!

[zainal abidin]

Welcome zain from Malaysia.

[Orchidmorris]

Can't say much more then that! Are the roots healthy, you use sphagnum moss so the middle might stay wet too long and roots will not grow there.

And try colder temperatures for a longer time! Leaves enough, and every leave should give you a stalk!

Good luck, and show us a picture when you succeded!

Maurice
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[jai_star]

has the temperature drop be adequeate and for consecutive days? Its actually really hard to get that drop in the home try to also cut back on water and fertiliser remeber that a plant will not blooom unless it has been exposed to some sort of stress !

[King Kjeldz]

more light definitely