No Flowers

Question

I have what appears to be a mature phalaenopsis with 8 to 12-inch leaves that has yet to bloom. I have placed it outdoors twice when our Florida nights were forecast to dip below 55º. The plant seems healthy, and is regularly fertilized with a 19-31-17 formula at one-half strength. My other plants are all blooming. —Betty Wisniewski
 

Answer

Some phalaenopsis have to be larger than others to bloom, and your plant may be one. Too, a longer duration of coolness may help. I would suspect, though, that this plant is large enough to flower and may do so this winter after more exposure to cooler nights and shorter days. If not, it may just be a plant that will be difficult to flower. If so, you may want to consider whether you wish to continue to give it unearned space. —Ned Nash