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Phalaenopsis Birthday Bloom: Forcing Rebloom with Epsom Salt and Cool Nights

Natural Cycle vs. Forced Rebloom

April birthday bloom, now wondering about next April flowers. Phalaenopsis naturally bloom mid-late winter after fall spike initiation. Commercial growers force year-round blooms with controlled light/temperature.

Worth a Try: The Epsom Salt Protocol

Water thoroughly with 1 tsp Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) per gallon lukewarm water
Wait 10 days, repeat
During this period: night temperatures 55°F
After 2nd treatment: return to >60°F nights
Spike may emerge in 4-6 weeks, flowers in 8-12 weeks

Spike vs. Root Identification

New spikes: green/reddish-green from leaf base. New roots: gray/white. Don't confuse them!

Orchids: Non-Blooming Phalaenopsis: Light and Fertilizer Fixes; Orchid Propagation: Seed vs. Vegetative Methods; Broken Oncidium Spike: Save the Flowers, Save the Plant; Oncidium Not Blooming? Light, Rest Period & the Tree Fern Mix Clue; Miltoniopsis Spike Won't Open? Patience, Humidity & Cool Nights; Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid) Post-Bloom Care: Spike Pruning and Reblooming; Dividing a Mature Stanhopea Orchid: Timing and Technique; Growing Orchids for Beginners: Quick Start Guide; Growing Orchids Indoors: Conditions for Blooming Success; Beginner's Guide to Growing Orchids Successfully

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