A couple of simple newb questions

[Braddock]

I bought an Orchid from Lowes over a year ago and truly enjoy its beauty. So far, Ive only guessed at the proper care of it. Apparantly I mustve done something right because its still alive and just bloomed this past month for the second time. I guess my questions are these: How often should it bloom, How can I maximize the number of blooms and the one thing I looked for, But couldnt find out, What are the growths coming under the leaves? They appear to be new stalks. I positioned them so they could receive light, but they seemed to have stalled and kind of died. Thanx

Oh, The Orchid I have is the Moth Orchid

OK, After reading several of the posts here, I believe the growths I have are air roots. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? At one point over the past year, My leaves became wrinkled and sickly looking. What caused this? theyre now healthy and firm and several more have grown over the past year.

[mayres]

I'm going to guess that the "growths" you note under the leaves are air roots. If you had a pic we could be certain that this is what you are speaking of. Phals (moth orchids) grow on trees in the wild and they throw out roots into the air looking for something to grab onto like ivy. Some people like to mist their air roots to encourage them to grow - low humidity may stop them from growing. Nothing to be concerned if they are growing or not - enjoy them as part of the normal plant growing process when they do. They usually only have one main blooming period per year. Sometimes you can get the main spike to bloom a second time if you like - the choice is up to each person. Some like to cut the spike once it is done and let the plant build itself up for next years main blooming cycle, and others like to cut the spike just above the last node and hope for a secondary spike - which if the plant comes out again, usually has fewer and possibly slightly smaller flowers than the original spike - but at least it is another display of flowers.

[jerrymeola]

The limp leaves are common since Phals normally do not grow up from a pot. They grow down from a branch.

Air roots are common.

Phals only bloom once a year and this is genetic so there is nothing you can do. You will get more flowers as the plant gets larger and older. Good growing habits with balanced water and fertilizer grows healthy plants.

[Braddock]

Thanx yall/ One other quick question. My Mom has a Phal as well and shee cut the spike all the way down, Thinking that it had died. Will this spike ever grow back, Or does she just have to wait until a new one grows? Its been over a year since her last bloom and about 7-10 months since she cut the spike down. Otherwise the plant is doing fine.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

It should be starting a new spike now.

[jerrymeola]

Phals need a cool period to set buds. If they are kept in a house at even temperatures they will be reluctant to flower.

If it has not had a cool period yet, you can put it in a cool room or hall (55 degree nights) for about a month. If you do not have a spot like this you can wait until the first month where temperatures will stay above 50 at night and set it outside for several weeks. If it goes outside keep it in total shade.