newbie here

[lisadoyle]

Hi, my name is Lisa, and I just got my first orchid in May. I have a phalaenopsis. I love orchids.

[desertgal]

Welcome, I love Phalaenopsis orchids and have 7. Only 2 are in bloom now. Is your phal blooming now? I got my first one in May of 2005 and it bloomed again in May of 2006. I am rather limited on space or I would have a lot more. I also have a Mini Cattleya, an Oncidium, a Dendrobium and a beautiful intergeneric cross. My favorite is my Oncidium Sweet Sugar. It has beautiful yellow blooms called dancing ladies.

[lisadoyle]

Hi desertgal, my phal has finished blooming. I hope I can get it to regrow.

[desertgal]

Hi Lisa,

The thing you will need the most is patience. I cut the spikes back on mine so that their strength can go to growing. Just keep watering and fertilizing it.
This fall it will need to have a daily drop in temperature for a few weeks. I do this by placing it on a windowsill. The nighttime temperature drop will accomplish this. Phals need this to tell them to spike again. If you are in cold country don't let it get below 45-50 degrees at night. During its growth period you will see one or two new leaves and new roots will grow. Some roots will turn down into the pot and some will remain in the air. In early spring you will see a spike begin to grow upward. They grow very slow so be patient. Eventually you will see tight buds that will slowly swell and open. My first Phal was a Mother's Day gift in 2005 and I was thrilled when it gave me nine blooms for Mother's Day 2006.

I know the experts will have better advice but this has worked for me.

Katie