Question
My two stemmed Moth orchid(I think )lost its flowers in August 2008,I have cut back the stems & wonder when new blooms will appear....plant looks very healthy,eight shiny green leaves(a couple new).....anything I can do to quicken the process?

appreciate your time.....

Answer
Hello Pauline,

Many phalaenopsis bloom from late winter through spring so yours should be showing signs of a flower spike growing.  New spikes emerge from between the leaves and usually are green or reddish green in color, new roots are greyish with a small green tip.  

Phalaenopsis initiate their bloom cycle when they detect shorter days (10 hours of light) along with a slight night temperature change (about 55F) for 2 to 3 weeks.  You can also help it along by mixing a little epsom salt (about 1 teaspoon in quart of water) and water them once a week for 3 weeks.  After doing all this, return the night temperatures back above 60F.  

Hope this has helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.