How to slow down plant blooming

[Chris in Hamilton]

Is there a way to slow down a plants blooming? I have a Den. lindleyi that I want to put on our societies show display table on the 24th but the darn thing has already started to open and I know the spikes only last about 9-10 days. Any ideas much appreciated!

[PaphMadMan]

Cool temperature. Dim light. Somewhat higher humidity but maintain good air movement. Make the plant think it is a cold (within normal tolerances for the species) cloudy week. Not sure how effective this will be with Den. lindleyi specifically, but almost all plants' metabolic rate is completely dependent on ambient temperature, so everything slows down when it is cool. There's a reason that florists refrigerate most flowers.

[Chris in Hamilton]

Cool temperature. Dim light. Somewhat higher humidity but maintain good air movement. Make the plant think it is a cold (within normal tolerances for the species) cloudy week. Not sure how effective this will be with Den. lindleyi specifically, but almost all plants' metabolic rate is completely dependent on ambient temperature, so everything slows down when it is cool. There's a reason that florists refrigerate most flowers.

Thanks Kirk! That is what I thought but I was worried the buds would drop. I'l blame you if they do

[PaphMadMan]

I said cool, as in a bit cooler than the night temps your plant is used to, not a sudden transition to an unheated garage in Ontario in February. Habitat data for the species indicates 54F nights while in peak bloom in March.

[Chris in Hamilton]

Thermostat is set for 55 at night. Thanks again Kirk.

[raybark]

This is a perennial problem. - plants flowering too soon or even more aggravating, just too late for judging or a show. Good luck with the "cold shoulder" treatment, but don't hold your breath!

[Chris in Hamilton]

This is a perennial problem. - plants flowering too soon or even more aggravating, just too late for judging or a show. Good luck with the "cold shoulder" treatment, but don't hold your breath!

I've just missed with 5-6 different plants this spring. Either they flower when I don't want them to or something goes wrong.