Phalaenopsis Spike Retention and Reblooming: Bloom Booster Fertilizer and Light Keys

Your Orchid Wants to Bloom

18-inch spikes with buds after 9 months? Your Phalaenopsis retains old spikes that can rebloom. This is a good sign—the plant has energy for flowering.

Three Rebloom Triggers

1. Annual repotting in fresh orchid mix (Lowe's carries it) - remove mushy roots
2. Bloom booster fertilizer - high middle number (20-30-10) promotes flowering
3. East window light - morning sun triggers blooming; insufficient light inhibits it

Watering Discipline

Let mix nearly dry between waterings. Weekly in fresh mix. Never let stand in water.