With a reluctant Phalaenopsis who just will not seem to flower, many growers report success with giving them lower temperatures at night. So that is true. Most growers find that two weeks of such treatment often does the trick.
Daylength per se usually has nothing to do with it except to say that in temperate climates, Fall temperatures are often associated with decreased day length. If the plants grow at a constant daytime temperature, say 80 degrees, 65 at night can be enough. Other growers prefer a 20 degree drop to be safe.
I would estimate that somewhere between 10-20% of all Phalaenopsis require this treatment. Given the drop in temperatures, spikes usually show within 4-5 weeks.
If one grows their Phalaenopsis constantly indoors at a limited range of temperature due to air conditioning and their personal comfort, these percentages may rise a little.
Phalaenopsis lovers also feel that too much fertilizer, feeding the plants too often, can also keep them from blooming properly as well! If you fertilize your Phalaenopsis 3-4 times per year, that is adequate.
Good luck Megan! And welcome to the Orchid Forums!!
