For those of you growing phals, there is an excellent 4 part series by Dr. Wang referenced on the Orchids Interactive forum. I’ve attached links to the 4 articles. Part 3 offers some great tips for getting phals to bloom. Summary of info. I found useful:
Phals grow vegt. at 82* up but need cooler temps to set spikes, ideally 79* daytime temperature
Many commercial growers use 77*/68* day/nite temp regiment for spike initiation for 4-5 weeks at these temps. After spiking, plants can be grown in wider temp. range 63* to 79* to time flowering to a specific date.
Flower spike usually emerges from 2nd/3rd/4th node below upper most leaf.
Plants with young inflorescence (4″ or shorter) can keiki if grown over 82* temp
Temps over 80* can reduce spike size and flower count.
I’m interested in how other members are able to cool their plants here in our hot climate to maximize spike and flower count.
To read the articles use the following links –