Growth cycle of Phalaenopsis

[T4tlrman]

I read somewhere that a bloom spike will start after the third leaf has matured. I imagine it takes about a year for a Phal to grow 3 leaves so a healthy one will bloom at least once a year.

I know this depends on the environment/fertilizer, etc. of course, but do they ever grow a spike say after the 2nd or 4th leaf? I've tried to find this info. on the site, but don't have time to search thru 82 pages related to Phal's.

If it's been discussed would someone send me the link please? Thanks, T

---------- Post Merged at 03:07 PM ----------

I've done a search for this info on the site and it didn't yield anything. Have also been to Youtube - no luck yet.

[Carolla]

I never paid any attention, sorry. I just know that, when they are mature plants and things are right for them, they generally bloom once a year, set a spike in the late fall and open flowers in the early spring. Generally it takes a 10 - 15 degree drop in temperature for a while (few weeks?) to initiate bloom. I've been fortunate in growing and blooming them, but have to say I just take care of them and let them decide when to bloom. I know I've less blooms since my MIL came to live with us, she's 89 yrs old and we keep the house warm for her in the winter, so I suspect that affects my flowers. I'm just glad she's able to live with us though and not in a nursing home, she enjoys the pets and the flowers so much.

[chingjervis]

...I know I've less blooms since my MIL came to live with us, she's 89 yrs old and we keep the house warm for her in the winter, so I suspect that affects my flowers. I'm just glad she's able to live with us though and not in a nursing home, she enjoys the pets and the flowers so much.

Carol, i dont know how to say this nor express my gladness, for few such people would take care or would even fix a "home" for them. You are really a True Christian (if you are a Christian, if not a Buddhist... you get the point...hehehe).

With this, i give you my Bow and my Warmest Huuugggg...uuuhhhmmmm

Bless you Carol! May God have more Favor in you and your loveones.

1 John 4:7-8 ESV

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 Thessalonians 3:12 ESV

And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you

[zainal abidin]

Hi Terry it depend on the species of phals for example cornu cervi, borneensis almost each new leaves will produce spike since this species from the tropical region where the growth cycle never stop they keep producing flowers after one another only stop flowers when lack of humidity or when the environment is not conducive. For the bellinas in the wild once they producing spike the new leaves stop automatically they only focusing on displaying their beautiful flower hoping insects come and pollinate them. However under our care those rule disappear in bellinas that is very odd whatever it is temperature and light including fertilizer play important role.

[T4tlrman]

Thanks Carol. And Kudos to you for the care you give your MIL too.

[T4tlrman]

Thanks for the info Zainal. Sorry it took till to respond, T

[Catt Mandu]

Most of my complex hybrid type Phals seem to initiate spikes from below the fourth leaf from the top. This is more of a "guideline" than a hard and fast rule, though. I do seem to get more Phal spikes happening after a temperature drop in the fall, but this is also not a rule. I have two Phals that spiked this summer while temperatures were warm, and getting warmer. Another also sending out a secondary spike on an old spike that bloomed in the spring-winter.