Question
Jim,

I live in Orlando, Florida and would like to know when I should start seeing the phals', oncidium's, and vanda's spikes.

The temperatures have dipped below 55-60 degrees in the evening so I have moved my orchids and wooden benches into the garage, I have continued watering them once per week using 20-20-20; I am also using a fan to provide some air movement in the morning (2hrs) and evening (2 hrs). The temperature is nice 70-78 degrees.

My question is: when should I start seeing the spikes? I think it should be soon, but wanted to ask.

Thanks.
Angelo

Answer
Hi Angelo,

When an orchid will bloom depends upon what kind of orchid it is and where the species originated.   But, with that said, many orchid hybrids produce their blooms between fall through spring with even some in summer.  

Moving your orchids into the garage is a good idea, that way you can better control the amount of water they get along with moderating the temperature.  While in the garage, are you allowing night temperatures to drop into the low 60's?  With highs in the mid 70's during the day, cooling them to the 60's at night after the earlier exposure to 55's should help the bloom cycle start.

Remember, not all orchids start the bloom cycle at the same time, some do it in the fall while others in winter, spring or even in the summer.  On the phals and vandas, look for spikes growing out just above a leaf.  On the oncidiums look for a spike to emerge from near the base of the pseudobulb.  For the spikes on phals and oncidiums, it would be a good idea to support them by tying it to a bamboo stake.  

Hope this helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.