WHY WON'T MY ORCHIDS FLOWER?

Beginners are often frustrated by a seemingly healthy plant that refuses to flower. This section is intended primarily for growers who wish to re-bloom their orchids, especially paphiopedilums (tropical slippers), phalaenopsis (moth orchids), oncidiums (dancing dolls) and dendrobiums (phalenopsis types) and related orchids. Don't worry if you don't recognize the names-these cover the majority of orchids easily available.

Its assume that your plants are healthy with lots of new leafy green growths and good roots. If you don't have a healthy plant, don't expect it to flower! Sometimes weakened plants, such as moth orchids will bloom prolifically, but this will be their swan song and they will die soon after. Grow plants right well and blooms will follow. If you're not getting blooms AND your plants are healthy, read on..


Here are the main reasons orchid will not bloom and what you can do about it. One or more reasons may apply to you:

#1. GIVE YOUR ORCHIDS ENOUGH LIGHT Most flowering houseplants, orchids included, will not bloom if they are not getting enough light. This is generally the main reason that orchids do not bloom. Northern exposure is usually not sufficient. A bright western, slightly shaded in the hottest months, or eastern exposure work well. A southern exposure gives you the greatest flexibility. If your window is heavily shaded by trees or adjacent buildings, this will reduce light to your plants and you will have to make adjustments accordingly. If you have bright indirect light, your phals and paphs should do fine. Oncidiums generally need slightly brighter light. Dendrobiums and Cattleyas need the brightest light of alll, and do best in a Southern exposure. Skylights, unless you live in Arizona, or unless they are about five feet above the plants generally do not provide sufficient light, for all but the most shade-loving of orchids. Please don't email me and tell me your orchids do fine under your skylight-perhaps they do but I need to make some broad generalizations here. And besides, if your orchids are blooming, you shouldn't be reading this section! Remember also that while a few paltry blooms on an orchid may be nice, our goal here is to get our orchids to put on a good show, and to make your investment of time and money worthwhile.

SOURCE:ARGUSORCHIDS.NET