Question
Hi Jim,
I live in Austin, TX and I have two Phalaenopsis orchids that I've been nursing
back to health for about year now. Both had flowering spikes last spring, but
soon the flowers fell off and the spikes turned brown so I cut them both off
close to the bottom. I spent the summer in a drier location where the orchids
got a little sunburned and dried out; both developed limp, patchy leaves.
Now, however, after much regular watering and fertilizing, all the unhealthy
leaves have been replaced by thick, strong, firm green leaves. I water and
fertilize them every week, their soil is moist, they live in a pretty humid room
where they get modest sunlight through a thin curtain. Everything seems to
be going great, but I haven't seen even a hint of a flower spike. Will they ever
flower again? Is there anything I can do to stimulate spike growth?
Thanks!
Annalee

Answer
Hi Annalee,

You've done a great job reviving those phalaenopsis orchids, keep it up!  The unfortunate part is that they may have been traumatized so much that it may take a bit longer for their full recovery.  

In the meantime, keep them growing new leaves.  In Austin, as fall approaches, try exposing them to slightly cooler night temperatures around 55 F for 2 to 3 weeks to let them know bloom season is approaching.  At the same time, mix a tablespoon of epsom salt in a gallon of lukewarm water and water them with it instead of the usual fertilizer for 3 waterings.  

Hope this helps you get them to bloom.  Spikes usually will appear in mid to late fall, so keep your eyes out for them.  They will look green to reddish green rather than the grey of new roots.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.