My Orchid
4:51 AM
List of Orchid own by editor.
Tips if your orchid does not bloom.
11:55 PM
Beginners are often frustrated by a seemingly healthy plant that won't to bloom. We'll tell you how to re-bloom your orchids, especially paphiopedilums (slippers), phalaenopsis (moth orchids), oncidiums and dendrobiums (phalenopsis types). Don't worry if you don't recognize the names-our tips cover the majority of orchids easily available.
I will assume that your plants are healthy with lots of new leafy green growths and good roots. If you don't have a healthy plant, don't expect it to flower! Sometimes weak plants, such as moth orchids will bloom prolifically, but this will be their swan song and they will die soon after. If you're not getting blooms AND your plants are healthy, read on..
Here are the main reasons orchid will not bloom and what you can do about it. One or more reasons may apply to you:
#1. GIVE YOUR ORCHIDS ENOUGH LIGHT Most flowering houseplants, orchids included, will not bloom if they are not getting enough light. This is generally the main reason that orchids do not bloom. Northern exposure is usually not sufficient. A bright western, slightly shaded in the hottest months, or eastern exposure work well. A southern exposure gives you the greatest flexibility. If your window is heavily shaded by trees or adjacent buildings, this will reduce light to your plants and you will have to make adjustments accordingly. If you have bright indirect light, your phals and paphs should do fine. Oncidiums generally need slightly brighter light. Dendrobiums and Cattleyas need the brightest light of alll, and do best in a Southern exposure.
I will assume that your plants are healthy with lots of new leafy green growths and good roots. If you don't have a healthy plant, don't expect it to flower! Sometimes weak plants, such as moth orchids will bloom prolifically, but this will be their swan song and they will die soon after. If you're not getting blooms AND your plants are healthy, read on..
Here are the main reasons orchid will not bloom and what you can do about it. One or more reasons may apply to you:
#1. GIVE YOUR ORCHIDS ENOUGH LIGHT Most flowering houseplants, orchids included, will not bloom if they are not getting enough light. This is generally the main reason that orchids do not bloom. Northern exposure is usually not sufficient. A bright western, slightly shaded in the hottest months, or eastern exposure work well. A southern exposure gives you the greatest flexibility. If your window is heavily shaded by trees or adjacent buildings, this will reduce light to your plants and you will have to make adjustments accordingly. If you have bright indirect light, your phals and paphs should do fine. Oncidiums generally need slightly brighter light. Dendrobiums and Cattleyas need the brightest light of alll, and do best in a Southern exposure.
Orchid of the month.
11:51 PM
Potinara Hoku Gem ( Slc. Tangerine Jewel x Bl. Richard Mueller) is truly a perfect compact cattleya for the home hobbyist. A resilient and rapidly growing plant, it rewards the grower with spotted yellow blooms several times a year, on multiple growths.
It can begin blooming in a 2" pot and if given space, can grow to about 8" tall. It can also be maintained in a smaller pot by dividing, where it will continue to blooms quite happily. The plant pictured is grown in a 2.5" deep rose pot.
This orchid thrives in full bright light, even some dappled sunlight, and like to dry out slightly between watering. Fertilize it three times a month with an orchid plant food during the warmer months and less frequently in winter. Though these orchids do fine with drier air than most other orchids, try to provide at least 50% humidity. Night time temperatures of around 60 with daytime summer highs of 80 should suit them fine.
The plants can flower anytime during the year, producing starry-shaped blooms that open coral-pink and then fade to bright yellow over time, as shown in the photo to the left. Be sure to keep cattleyas moist when they are in bud or bloom. This is an easy and satisfying cattleya hybrid to grow.
