Question
Hi, I recieved a phalaenopsis for my birthday last April.. Is there something I should do now in order for it to bloom again in April, or are they cyclical in bloom time? thanks

Answer
Hello Connie,

If your birthday phalaenopsis orchid plant has been growing well since April, it should be sending out a new bloom stem or spike by now.  Look for a green or reddish green growth coming from the base of a leaf, that would be the new bloom spike.  New roots are usually a grey or whitish color.  

If you do not see a bloom spike growing by now, it may be a little late to do anything to make it do so but it might be worth a try.  Water it thoroughly with lukewarm water in which you've added one level teaspoon of epsom salt also known as sulphate of magnesium.  Wait 10 days then water again with epsom salt.  Also, as you are doing this, allow the temperature where it is growing to go down to 55 F at night.  Once the second 10 days are up, turn the growing area temperature back up above 60 F.  If all goes well, you may see a bloom spike emerge in 4 to 6 weeks.  It will take from 8 to 12 weeks for the flowers to open.  

Hope this helps.  Good luck.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.