bloomless babies

[Trisha]

Hello, I'm a new member. I have some how become an orchid owner. They have all been gifts. I guess since my friends and family know I have a green thumb, I must be good at orchids. Not true. While I do love them, I am not great with them. I live in Bakersfield California and the current temperature is about 105 (yikes!). Needless to say, all my orchids are indoors and florishing with the help of orchid food and regular misting. The problem is that once the blooms are spent and the stem dies back,that's it. My plant will live on healthy and happy, never to bloom again. I hope to learn more by the input from this forum, and prove to my gift givers that it was not a waste, and that I truly have a green thumb, even with orchids.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

The following is for Phalaenopsis, if your is not a Phal, let us know what it is. Come fall, you must be sure of two things. Don't have the plant in a room where the lights are on till the same time every night. The plant has to know that the season has changed, and it does that by the length of the day. Don't keep the plant in the warmest room of the house, unless you are one of those that saves money by keeping the thermostat down very low. 50F to 55F nights should help trigger blooms. Some of the very large leaved Phals are warmer growing, and may not like or need the cool down. Some times a little stress helps, maybe letting the Phal go a little extra dry, but only during winter if everything else fails. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

[Trisha]

Thanks Cynthia, I believe 2 of them are Phals. I'll give it a try.