|

Phalaenopsis
amabilis blooms in
early
spring in the northern
hemisphere, correrspondi
ng to
drier conditions with slightly
greater variation in night/day
temperatures in its native tropical
habitat.
|
Blooms and flower spikes We are
still in the prime blooming season for most
phalaenopsis. Multifloral equestris hybrids are
generally in spike or blooming
prolifically.
If your plant is near
finished blooming or only has 2-3 flowers left,
we suggest you remove
the flower spike completely so that the
plant can put all its energy into producing new
growths(and flowering spikes!) in the
fall.
Phalaenopsis violacea
and its hybrids may be spiking now for
(fragrant) summer blooms. These phal orchids
can still be repotted in early spike without
any problems, as long as you are using the same
type of mix. If you are switching mixes, it may
take longer for the plant to adjust so its best
to wait until the plant has finished
flowering.
If you plant is
finished blooming, now is a good time to repot
it, if the mix is more than 12 months old. See
our phalaenopsis
repotting guide.
Changes in Day
Length and
Temperature
Days are starting to get longer and brighter.
Be sure to move your phals back from the
windows a bit, to avoid sun burn on the
leaves.
Feeding your
plants You can begin to increasing
feeding to twice as month as it gets
warmer during spring. A general orchid food is
best. If your plant is spiking for summer
blooms, be sure to use a blossom booster
formula until the buds are formed.
|