Orchid not blooming in 2 years?

[gcallantii]

I got an orchid for my mother in law about a year and a half ago. It was blooming when I got it, I repotted it in another pot, and it has not bloomed since. The leaves look otherwise healthy except for some leaves with black tips. I don't know what kind of orchid it is. I can upload photos, I've been misting it to keep it humid, maybe too much water?

Any help or advice would be appreciated

[mayres]

We need to know what kind of orchid it is and what kind of conditions you have it in. Posting a picture is a great start. Also tell us what kind of media you have it planted in, what type of light does it get (windows are facing which direction), what temperature do you keep the area where it is, how often do you water and fertilize, etc. The most common reason for an orchid to not be blooming is not enough light, but there can be some other basic issues or even a combination of issues - so give us some additional information and someone will be along to give you some great advice....

[gcallantii]

[gcallantii]

Well it is on the dinning room table, and there are windows with eastern and southern exposure, as well as the chandelier above it has GE reveal lights which I believed were close to sunlight frequencies. It is planted in "orchid mix" it's like bark and charcoal I believe. It is watered every 5-7 days, misted regularly for humidity, and has never been fertilized. It stays about 65-70 ish inside, we are in winter here in Spokane WA. Not a lot of light... Although this has been an ongoing problem.

[kmarch]

You have a dendrobium, more specifically a phalaenanthe type dendrobium (aka a phal-type dendrobium). Check out the AOS culture sheet on dendrobiums or the dendrobium culture sheet here on the forum. After you've read them, let us know if you have any more questions.

[katrina]

Originally Posted by gcallantii

Well it is on the dinning room table, and there are windows with eastern and southern exposure, as well as the chandelier above it has GE reveal lights which I believed were close to sunlight frequencies.

This leads me to believe you likely have a light issue. This type of den likes a good deal of light. The intensity of light drops dramatically even a few inches inside a window. I would try to get it closer to that S window...but don't put it in direct sunlight. After having spent so much time in less than ideal light it could burn rather easily...move it gradually over period of time until you have it pretty close to that window area.

Also, as Kevin pointed out, check out the culture sheet and then let us know if you have any questions.

[Johnny B]

I would just throw it away.....Ok so I was kidding. I would take a peek at the roots. It looks like the ones at the surface have been over watered. Roots that are happy and healthy usually have a nice white appearance with a green root tip. They will be nice and firm also. I have over watered my fair share of chids, this is why I believe your orchid is over watered. It you know that you water heavy, that is ok. Knowing is half the battle. This means you can adjust your growing conditions to fit your watering habits. You can use a growing medium and container that dry out really quick. This will allow for you to water to your hearts content. Good luck, and dont throw away this perfectly good chid!

[zaeem]

Den, need more light.I grow them in partially direct sun,Cloudy days and winter has problems and have to be move abought in light,.THANKS GOOD PHOTOS.

[gcallantii]

Originally Posted by Johnny B

I would just throw it away.....Ok so I was kidding. I would take a peek at the roots. It looks like the ones at the surface have been over watered. Roots that are happy and healthy usually have a nice white appearance with a green root tip. They will be nice and firm also. I have over watered my fair share of chids, this is why I believe your orchid is over watered. It you know that you water heavy, that is ok. Knowing is half the battle. This means you can adjust your growing conditions to fit your watering habits. You can use a growing medium and container that dry out really quick. This will allow for you to water to your hearts content. Good luck, and dont throw away this perfectly good chid!

Okay, I will try giving it more light. On the aos sheet it says to water heavy and fertilize heavy? Should I be fertilizing, is that my problem, and with what? And what is "heavy" relative to?

Also, why are the roots above the surface, at first I thought that might be because it is root bound, as it has had that problem once before I transplanted it.

[11Orchid126]

Until the den gets enough light to stimulate it into using more water and fertilizer, they aren't an issue at this point. Once you have acclimated the plant to the south window and it's getting plenty of light as katrina points out, up the amount of water you're giving it and begin a regular fertilizer routine. Right now being on the dining room table, the plant is in the dark. It's getting just enough light for it to exist. It will not thrive nor bloom there.

[Reg22]

Originally Posted by gcallantii

Should I be fertilizing, is that my problem, and with what? And what is "heavy" relative to?

Also, why are the roots above the surface, at first I thought that might be because it is root bound, as it has had that problem once before I transplanted it.

A good orchid fertilizer is Peter's Excel 15-5-15. You can also use the time-release pellets sold at Home Depot under the brand name "Dynamite." I wouldn't worry about the roots above the surface. Most orchids are epyphites. In nature these plants do not grow in a pot or in potting medium, they are usually attached to trees with all of their roots exposed to the air.

I would agree with the advice you have already received. Definitely needs more light.

[gcallantii]

Thank you all for your responses. I appreciate all of the advice. I will start by giving LOTS of light (gradually, thank you to my orchid, and then I will gradually start introducing fertilizer. I will keep you updated on the progress! Much luck to all you fellow orchid growers!

Grant

[Leafmite]

Be careful with the watering. Phal-dens need to dry quickly or their roots rot, unless they are kept very warm. I have mine in large lava rock and net pots and water about once a week during the winter. Good light is definitely essential for blooming. Good luck,
leafmite