A couple of questions.

[Fishkeeper101]

So I was in half moon bay nursery today, and I couldn't help but buy this cute little orchid (looks like a dwarf of some sort) and I'm not really sure what type it is....
Its got pretty large broad leaves that are round but come to a point, coming out from a central stalk, with a few green thick roots climbing around.

Anything I should know/think about while growing this thing? and will it bloom all year?

I'm keen on buying some more plants (as they are amazing!) but want to kind of test the waters as far as orchids go.

Secondly,
My Grandma grows Cymbidiums like a mad-woman, and gave my mom (and in turn, I) a couple of pots of plants. Now, we had them out in a nice warm sunny place at an old house we lived at, and they bloomed like crazy. Now we have them in a place that gets pretty shaded sun, and one of the plants just doesn't want to bloom. The other one finally sent up 2 bloom stalks (there was much rejoicing) but the other just doesn't seem to want to bloom. Any way we could "force" it to bloom? Or maybe its just not its year?

phew.

Any advice appreciated!

Aaron

[Orchidementia]

The first question: sounds as though it could be a nobile type denobrium, and no, they don't bloom year 'round. The bloom in the late spring, grow in the summer, lose all their leaves in the autumn/winter, and start growing leaves and buds in the spring, tra la.

As for the second question ... perhaps they need more sun? Wait, that's a question. One of the cym people should be along shortly!

[Fishkeeper101]

haha. well I just found a label on the pot and its a Phalaenopsis... Checking out the care sheet right now... Its amazing what a little attention to detail will solve. :\
haha.

[brookn]

I'm going to say light issue with the Cyms. They would probably like more light.

[solay]

Yes more light is what you are missing. I find that my Cyms. in the shade will not spike while the ones with some sun and bright light will. Try moving them. Good Luck!

[kmarch]

Sometimes a Cymbid will just skip a year of flowering. Mine do that. The year before last I didn't get many blooms. Last year 8 of my 12 Cymbids flowered, this year just 1 so far. Same conditions for all Cymbids for all 3 years.