can an orchid bloom itself to death

[kristinl]

I have a phalaenopsis that I believe was purchased at Costco. It has been in bloom since last November. Is this normal? I have heard that orchids when in bloom too long can be harmful. Ideas?

[butt0n]

If its blooming like crazy, you're probably doing something right.

[mayres]

I'd count your lucky stars - sounds great. Depending upon genetics of the particular plant and how close the culture is to the ideal care for that particular plant it wouldn't be unusual at all. Some have made it over a year - though 3-6 months is more typical. Good job! Is it also growing any roots and/or leaves throughout this time frame? If so, this will be another indicator of overall plant health. Growing new leaves and blooming together would show simultaneous putting out of energy and building up strength for the future of the plant.

[exasperatus2002]

I have a noid Phal from home depot that just ended its 6 month run & is now producing a basal kieki. Dont worry your doing something right.

[kristinl]

I am new to this site and I am so excited about all the quick replies I received.
Thanks to all.

[jay]

Hello and welcome to the forum. It sounds like something is going right with your orchid. Congrats on the long blooms.

[articuno75]

I wish my Phals would bloom like crazy.....

[patticake]

! I wish I had problems like yours!! Good to meet you! Keep up the good work. A blooming plant is a happy plant!

[jerrymeola]

November is not an exceptionally long time.

I have heard of Dtps. Newberry Parfait Picotee' 'blooming themselves to death. These were plants going into a 3rd or 4th year non-stop.

I bloomed one for 18 months with no sign of letting up until I broke the flower stem. It skipped a year before blooming again.

[kmarch]

In my experience, when people talk about an orchid "blooming itself to death" - and I have heard that phrase a lot - what they're really talking about is a weakened plant that suddenly flowers in a last ditch effort to procreate before expiring. I've heard quite a few times of various orchids flowering spectacularly then immediately after, declining rapidly and dieing. They were usually on their way out before the flowering started. Maybe one of the biologists can shed more light on this phenomena

[janet_a]

yes, genetics: i have a golden peoker daughter that's always blooming. if i cut the spike off, it simply grows another. i've given up and let it do its thing. it grows big fat roots and big fat leaves (but only four--it doesn't want more than four.) it's probably been out of bloom for maybe 6 weeks since i've had it (which is about 5 yrs.) my phal equestris has been blooming off one spike or another since at least january--and it's growing a keiki.

enjoy your plant.