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How to Grow TALLER Phaleonopsis

Phalaenopsis-orchidQuestion from Patricia:

What can I do to get my phalaenopsis TALL again? I’ve had one for several years and unfortunately each year it’s become successively shorter.  Even though it produces over a dozen blooms, the stem is just barely six inches above  the leaves!?!  What’s the best time of the year to force the height of these plants BEFORE they start blooming?  I’ve been using 20-20-20 all year.  Thanks so much!!!!

Answer from Pat:
I am not an expert on Phaleonopsis orchids, since they are mainly grown indoors. I can tell you all about cymbidium orchids, since they are more within my area of expertise, which is outdoor plants in Southern California. Nonetheless, I think I might have an answer for you. When the plant is in bloom stop fertilizing until bloom is done, then resume after bloom period is over. And if I were you I would switch to a fertilizer with more nitrogen, such as 20-10-10. This will help taller spikes to grow.  Eventually you need to remove the bloom spike and allow your orchid to grow a new spike or spikes.
Here is my recommendation: Re: time of year I don’t think it matters, but stop fertilizing now since the plant is already in bloom. When your orchid has finished blooming, cut off the bloom spike all the way down. Switch fertilizers to more nitrogen as suggested above. If the pot is too small and roots are crowded move it now into the next size container. If the plant is still in bloom simply water and give it a time to get settled in new container.  Then cut off the bloom spike all the way down as I said. Resume fertilizing, this time with 20-10-10 or 30-20-20 or similar—point is more nitrogen— and allow new spikes to grow. It will take some time. In a couple of months if no new spikes have grown, make sure it’s getting colder temperatures at night warmer during day. Cool nights trigger bloom.

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