texann's orchids

[texann]

I need some help! I have about 10 orchids that I have managed to keep alive for about the past 4 years. All kinds incl. Vanda, Dendrobium, Catalaya, Phal.and Neos. They are all on a south facing window sill with NO direct sunlight. There is no such thing as putting these plants outside in the spring or summer as the temp is already 98 by about 11:00 am. I water and fertilize regularly put not one of them has ever bloomed for me!!! You would think that at leaqst one has the right conditions at least! Any suggestions?

[articuno75]

Light. Usually if you're providing everything else correctly and still no blooms then light is the culprit. Try giving them the correct light conditions. Vandas need high light. Lots of it. Cattleyas are medium to high~filtered. Phals are low to medium~filtered exposure. Neos are also low to medium exposure.

Texann if you could please update your user profile location so that other members will be able to give you accurate advice. Different location=different advice.

[Hummer344]

As with all natures plants, there are certain conditions that must be met in order for plants to bloom. I agree with Jenny that light is probably the culpret. But, in addition, temperature could be a factor. It took me many years of trying to get my phals to bloom. Finally I read that they need a rather significant temp. (15-20 degrees) change from day to night in order for them to set a spike. Now I give them that in the fall and they will usually bloom for me in late winter to early spring. The temperature in most homes do not allow for this type of swing. Can you get them outside in the fall? Also, after 4 years in the same potting medium, you might think of re-potting them.

Good luck

[kid a]

hello and welcome to orchid geeks! you can update your info for your location by clicking on user cp at the top in the left hand of the screen. I agree with Jenny and Hummer that it is probably a light or temperature issue of some sort. If you live in a hot dry area increasing humidity couldn't hurt, that might be a possibility or contributor to not blooming. There are probably quite a few of us that have yet to get a plant to re bloom. The only thing I have re bloomed is my ludiscia discolor. The light and temperature changes were my problems so hopefully I've got that taken care of. If you need more light check at walmart. They have some awesome desk lamps that have full spectrum energy efficient bulbs in them. I use two of them for my plants. Another helpful thing would be to get a digital thermometer/hygrometer with min/max. About 15 bucks at walmart.