Getting your phals to spike

[work2ski]

Like most of you, I keep buying these beautiful blooming phals at the local store, like damsels in need to be rescued. And like most of you, I have a stock pile of spent phals that just sit there. For 3 years they just sit there. I tried everything from trying different mix, fertilizer, light requirement...to no avail. And people say growing phals are easy ???

I have 2 heating unit in my home. Last February, I lowered the temp. in one unit to to 62 degrees each night for 3 weeks. Today while watering my plants, over 80% of my phals have spikes. And yes, I can tell the difference between a spike and a root. The cold temp also affected the catts too (in a good way).

I had almost given up on growing phals since it was difficult for me to get them to re-bloom. At one point in time, I was going to give the phals away for free if someone local (in the Washington DC area) would come and pick them up. Anyway, I am glad I did not do that.

A special thank to all the gurus at rv-orchidworks for recommending the lowering of temperature at night by almost 10 degree. It did wonders.

Not a sermon, just a thought.

[Kyle]

Sounds like you've figured out the not so secret - secret!

Kyle

[Brutal_Dreamer]

That is great news, Trung. Another success story! Bravo! Be sure to share photos of the blooms when they open!

Cheers,
BD

[Molly Taco]

It just makes you feel like you have really cracked a mystery. It is a great feeling. Congratulations
Cin

[work2ski]

I will purchase a modified fridge for my phals. Just kidding...or not.

[IdahoOrchid]

Another thing that works is going on vacation. Lots of stories about returning to flowers lately.

Threats of the compost heap have been known to elicit responses as well.



Really, I am serious.