How does one induce a new phal spike?

[Paula]

Hi there. I have two phalaenopsis which when given to me had a single spike and several blooms each. When the spikes died, I cut them back to their base. Both plants have four, healthy green leaves and one periodically produces new roots. I have been patiently waiting to see either plant develop a spike. But nothing has happened in well over a year...maybe even two years! What can I do to stimulate spike growth? I have heard that a "cold" period may help induce this growth. Is this true? And if so, how long and at what temperature should I "treat" my orchids? Thanks for the help. I think I've forgotten what color the flowers are...it's been THAT long!
Paula

[mayres]

The overall care that your phals get the entire year will play a role as well into their ability and liklihood to spike when conditions are right. Can you give us some more information. What kind of light do they get (a plant in a north window may not get enough light to ever spike), what kind of media, how often do you fertilize and with what and how much, when did you repot last, etc. Assuming the conditions are all good - then yes, the shortening length of daylight and the temperature variance between day and night (somewhere between 10-15 degrees) is what often triggers the plant to start a flower spike. I have approximately 30 phals and only about half of them have responded with spikes after 3-4 weeks of this conditioning - possibly because I have not shortened the light period enough - or other yet to be determined reasons. If you have your plants on a windowsill often just the cool night-time temperatures coming off the window glass is enough to trigger the plants. All of my office phals sitting in a NE window have started to spike on their own in the past few weeks. Good luck - mike

[Paula]

Thanks for your help Mike. My plants are placed in a south-facing window in my office. I fertilize once a month or so with Schultz orchid food (%N=19). I repotted both plants sometime in the last few months with bark...I don't remember what kind. Recently, I moved the orchids away from the window sill because I was concerned they were getting too much direct sunlight. During winter, the sun is very bright in my office. I suppose it is possible that my orchids have not had a "cooling" period since even in winter they are likely warmed by the heater which is RIGHT below the window. So, perhaps I should move them to a cooler place for a month? IF a spike forms, does it do this during the "cooling" period or after?
Paula

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Also try higher light, but feel the leaves if light falls on them, to make sure the leaves are only luke warm, not hot.

[Paula]

Thank you Cynthia. So a combination of higher light and lower temperature might do it? I'll try this for about a month and cross my fingers! It would make me SO happy to see a new spike!
Paula

[Daniel S. Barrett]

they will spike during the cool period, I keep mine in a "cool night time zone" until they spike & come to flower and even longer, the cool nights seem to keep the flowers lasting longer, i've commonly had flowering periods lasting 3-4 months by keeping them about 60-64 degrees at night, and 75-78 degrees during the day, humidity about 65 -70 %, it can take up to 8 weeks before you see a spike start, another 4 to 6 weeks for it to come to flower. So be patient! but, it's worth it!

[Paula]

Hi Daniel, thanks for the advice. It's so hard to be patient! I have placed my orchids in a cooler place and miss seeing them on my desk...sniff. Hopefully, in a couple months, I'll be able to enjoy them with some flowers.