I don't think you are being impatient. The books say the average length of time from spike to bloom is about 3 months or a little more. I have found it to be variable-- some bloom in as little as two months, others take longer.

You don't say where in the US you are, but except for a few of the warmest states, the curtain probably isn't needed in winter. The winter sun just isn't strong enough. It would just start to be needed in late March and April, as the sun becomes more intense.

A little more light in the winter, or even now if you can provide it without burning the leaves, should help.

I would also check the roots, as sometimes a spike stalls because the roots are compromised.

I agree with mehitabel - I think it was howard that said that when you bring your plants back in for the winter, it's like plunging them into the dark - even though it 'looks' pretty bright to us, the amount of ambient light outside is huge compared to indoors even near a 'bright' curtained window. Hopefully with more light as spring rolls in, you'll get an unstalling of the spikes!

Ditto to the above but warmth might also be a factor. If not warm enough, they will stall but when the temps warm back up, they will grow again.

Brooke

Thanks, guys, for your input. Maybe I will move it outside into a partially sunny spot during the warmer months and hope for a spike, and blooms!

Its quite frustrating, because I SO want to be successful with orchids, my dad loves them and has great success... I guess I need to pick his brain too!

Thanks, guys, for your input. Maybe I will move it outside into a partially sunny spot during the warmer months and hope for a spike, and blooms!

Its quite frustrating, because I SO want to be successful with orchids, my dad loves them and has great success... I guess I need to pick his brain too!

Hi alieliza,

Your plant and spike look very healthy, but six months is a very long time for an autumn spike to stay at that stage. Even with winter sun and cold nights (60-64 degrees) my "windowsill" phals begin to open in less than 4 months.

This is a guess, so please consider it with a grain of salt. I think that I remember your post spiking phals earlier--they were either yours, or those of someone who clamps in the same way. The clamping is what made me notice them.

When clamping a spike to a stake, I carefully avoid touching the leading several inches that carry the flower bud beginnings. In fact, I place the clip Below the top-most bract (that flat, green scale-like thing below the buds). My theory is that the spike tip might stall, or grow wrong,if it "thinks" it is pinned down or blocked.

If you care to test the theory :) you could reclamp the spike Below (but not touching) the upper bract, and Very Gently remove the clamp that is presently holding the top of your spike. It might take the spike a week to figure things out, but releasing the tip might give it the jumpstart it needs.

I hope it goes well.

Sweetcicely

I think that's a good guess. I would agree that clamping the spike lower down is better.

Well, well, well, the things you learn.
Maybe I shouldn't spike at all.
Upon further inspection, (taking off the spike) I found these indentations on the spike (caused by a part of the clip, it fits perfectly into the dents).

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Is it doomed for never blooming?

Hey, alieliza--Doomed? It's a Phal! I'm betting it's dented, but unbowed and you'll see those blooms yet!

When my Phals spike, I wait till they've grown a bit (like yours), then start with a loose tie (I use raffia) that gradually eases the spike in near the stake, but not too snugly.

You can also get clips that are not so tight. The dragonfly clips apparently come in a couple of sizes--or, you can just use a long twistie tie (i.e. longer than the ones for small baggies), but not tight. Some kind of tie helps to support the blooms and any branches that decide to grow out of those bracts.

Yes, yes, you could have Branches coming out of your bracts!
Your spike looks good and healthy and is sure to forgive that pinch--I'm betting it will, anyway. Please post pictures when it blooms :)

Sweetcicely

I have had my Orchid for 2 1/2 years. I started her from a bulb, and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere. I'm I doing something wrong? The leaves aren't that big she seems to be growing slowly, very slow. Any suggestions.

My boyfriend gave me a phalaenopsis orchid about 2 years ago. Since then I have not had any spikes grow and no flower blooms.. the leaves look very healthy and big... I make sure it gets watered as directed. And it sits under a window. It has plenty of light. Can you help me figure out why there are no flowers yet and if there will be. Thank you..

Assuming it does have plenty of light, phals like a 15-20 degree temp drop in the fall to initiate spikes. If possible, leave the window cracked at night from late Sept thru the end of Oct to give the needed temp drops.

As far as light, in what direction does the window point and how far away from the window is the phal. In most of the US they need to be very close to east windows, @ 1' away from most south and west windows.

Tell us a little more about where you are and how it grows and we may be able to provide additional help.

Good luck,

Bob

I live in Cape May county, nj. My plant is facing the sun while it is at its highest. It's on the west side of the house. That is where the best sunlight comes in. It is about 10 inches below the the base of the window.