No new growth this year

[luberly]

I was given 2 orchids last year. One is a Jewel Orchid and the other a mini Phalaenopsis. Unfortunately, neither have grown new pikes this year. Their leaves are both healthy and their medium is fine as I was told to verify that the Phal's roots weren't rotten. The spike was dead and was instructed to cut the rotten stem off, but I fear I cut it too far down.

I have read the different opinions on spikes, but if it doesn't grow one year later, does that mean there's something wrong? I have plenty of patience but I don't want to waste too much!!

As for the Jewel orchid, the leaves have been growing higher but no flower spikes seem to have appeared.

Any Advice would be helpful.

[janet_a]

pls define "last year." also, where are you, and what environment are you growing the plants in? (inside, outside, what exposure, etc.)

[luberly]

last year = last spring (Late March)
I'm growing it indoors in the South of the UK.

It gets plenty of light but no direct sunlight.

Cheers.

[janet_a]

hrrm. could be a lot of things, or it could just be the plant still acclimating to your conditions (phal. can't speak to the jewel orchid--mine hasn't rebloomed yet either).

personally i wouldn't give up on it til next spring, and would try to give it a definite overnight temperature drop for six weeks over the winter, but YMMV.

[jerrymeola]

The jewel orchid has a flowering season of Feb March. It probably missed this season as it adapted to your conditions. Since it is growing strong, you should have a good show next year. Jewels are grown mostly for the foliage anyway the flowers are not too impressive.

Your Phal probably did not get chilled enough indoors to set a spike. The plant in order to set buds needs a 20 degree drop each night for about a month. It may be cool enough in the UK now to still set flowers. See if you can find an area on a porch or yard that will be around 75 in the day and 55 at night. If it is about 10 degrees colder than this it will still be ok but be slower acclimating it to the outdoors. Do not shock the plant putting it out.