What to Do If Your Phalaenopsis Orchid's Flower Spike Is Short? Grow It This Way for Faster Flower Spike Growth
With their elegant bearing and vivid flower colors, Phalaenopsis orchids (moth orchids) have won the affection of many flower lovers. The growth of the flower spike directly affects the quality and quantity of the blooms. If you want the flower spike to grow quickly, you need to tend it carefully in terms of light, temperature, nutrients, water and more.
Light is especially important for flower spike growth.Although Phalaenopsis orchids cannot tolerate strong direct light, ample bright indirect light is essential for their growth. The most suitable spot is beside a bright indoor windowsill with no direct sunlight. In autumn and winter, when the sunlight is gentle, you can appropriately extend the light hours, letting the plant bask fully in the sun and carry out photosynthesis, storing up energy for flower spike growth. In summer, however, the sun is intense, so you need to shade the Phalaenopsis to prevent the leaves and flower spike from being scorched.
Temperature also has a big influence on flower spike growth.During the flower bud differentiation and flower spike growth stages, the optimal temperature range for Phalaenopsis orchids is 15to25°C. In autumn and winter, try to keep the indoor temperature within this range. If the temperature is too high, the plant tends to grow leggy, which affects the normal formation and growth of the flower spike; if the temperature is too low, the flower spike grows more slowly and may even suffer cold damage.
Nutrients are the foundation for rapid flower spike growth.In the early stage of flower spike growth, you can apply a compound fertilizer with balanced nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to promote overall robust growth of the plant. When the flower spike begins to emerge, you should switch promptly to a high-phosphorus, high-potassium fertilizer, such as monopotassium phosphate, and after diluting it, spray it on the leaves or water it into the roots once every 7to10days. This can effectively promote rapid flower spike growth and make the flowers bloom larger and more vivid.
Water management should not be overlooked either.Phalaenopsis orchids have thick, fleshy aerial roots and like moisture but hate waterlogging. During flower spike growth, the growing medium should be kept slightly moist. You can judge whether watering is needed by observing how dry or moist the medium is; generally, insert a finger 2to3cm deep, and if it feels dry, water promptly. When watering, be sure to water thoroughly and avoid giving only a "half watering."
In addition, air humidity should also be kept between 60%and80%; an environment that is too dry will affect the normal growth of the flower spike. You can mist water around the plant or use a humidifier to increase air humidity.
Beyond that, you also need to check the condition of the plant regularly, promptly pruning yellow leaves, diseased leaves and so on, to avoid needless consumption of nutrients. As long as you master these key points and tend the plant patiently and carefully, you can get the Phalaenopsis flower spike to grow quickly.