Average blooming time.

[Sara]

Hey guys! Long time no see!
I've had my Phal since Febuary, and it's still in bloom! When I bought it, it had one bud open with six or seven buds. Unfortunetly, I didn't enjoy the majesty of my orchid in all its glory for very long. It suffered an attack by lovebirds. They only left about three blooms. Then, a little while after the "attack", the stem grew a little longer and grew another three or four buds.
Sorry for the long story, but my point is, on average, how long do Phals bloom for? I've heard anywhere from three months to maybe nine months. At the moment, my Phal only has four blooms left.

[greg_s]

I think it completely depends on the type. I've heard of phals blooming almost without stop for 12 to 14 months.

Mine was blooming in Feb when I bought it. Finished about 2 weeks ago and is sending up another spike now.

[mayres]

I would second greg's comments - as short as a few weeks (for plants in undesirable environments - poor care), commonly 3-4 months, to as long as almost continuous under ideal conditions with some varieties.

Mine were also in bloom from February. However, I just recently cut the flower spikes off. They looked very good and would probably have lasted a lot longer, but I would like the plants to devote themselves to growing stronger for the balance of the summer before the next blooming season starts. Whether or not you leave them on will depend on how healthy the plant looks. It's a judgement call.

[Sara]

Wow, it really does vary. My sister got an Phal during mother's day, and all of her blooms are gone. Although hers isn't in as nice of an enviroment as mine. I keep my Phal in my eastern window with my african violets, with the shades open 24/7, temps in the 70's (house is more like 66 during the day in winter). So it gets all the nice sun in the day, and the cooler temps at night.
Well, thanks for the info guys!

[flaorchidfan]

i have had Phals bloom for 8-10 months continuously. I recently cut all the flowers off in June and the plants have doubled in size already.

[Maba]

Geez, you lucky Florida people. My phals get a tiny new leaf; a new root or two and I think they're doing well. Then I hear about yours doubling in size in the same time! I think they like FL better than CO.

[mayres]

I'm with you Maba - same in Oregon - a new leaf or two and I'm feelin' really good. So far during the first winter of growing phals the temp I kept them at - they were in a state of suspended animation for a long long time.

[jerrymeola]

A very good range of answers from all the members.

I will add that the length of the blooms is also genetic. While 2-4 months is common with Phals and then the plant can grow additional buds, some are just know for going longer.

This Newberry is known for long lasting flowers. I had flowers or buds (at least 6 at a time) on the same stem from March 2005 until last month. 15 months.

[Sara]

Wow, that's amazing!