How to care for Orchids?

Question

I have an orchid that my mom gave me and has never bloomed. The leaves are green but has never bloomed.

Please let me what I need to do so it blooms?

Answer 1

WATERING YOUR ORCHID

Always water early in the day so that your orchids dry out by nighttime. The proper frequency of watering will depend on the climatic conditions where you live. In general, water once a week during the winter and twice a week when the weather turns warm and dry. The size of your orchid container also helps determine how often you need to water, regardless of climate conditions. Typically, a 6-inch pot needs water every 7 days and a 4-inch pot needs water every 5 to 6 days.

The type of potting medium being used can also affect your plant's water requirements. Bark has a tendency to dry out more rapidly than sphagnum moss, for instance. It is important to remember, however, that even when the surface of your pot is dry, the root area may remain moist. Poke your finger or a regular wooden pencil an inch into the pot; if it feels moist to the touch or if the pencil looks moist, do not add additional water. The potting medium should always be damp, but not soggy—neither should it be allowed to get extremely dry.

The quality of water used, whether for spraying or watering, is of great importance. Since tap water has often been chemically treated, generally with chlorine, it should be used with caution. The best water for orchids is undoubtedly rainwater. Rainwater, as it passes through the air, dissolves and absorbs many substances such as dust, pollen and other organic matter. This enriched rainwater contributes to the nourishment of the plant.

THINGS TO CONSIDER: The temperature of the water is also important. If the water temperature and the surrounding air temperature are equal, no harm will result, and slight differences either way can be tolerated by healthy plants. Fatal or long-term damage, not easily discernible at first, can result from using water that is too cold.

Answer 2

There's a huge range of Orchids that are available, with differing growing needs.  The most commonly sold houseplant is the Phalaenopsis or moth orchid.  Otherwise, Cymbidiums are also frequent, so I'll give you some tips on these, as well as general advice.

Phalaenopsis requires warm conditions, as well as bright indirect light in order to intitiate reflowering.  They hate standing in water, as this can cause root rot - water once a week or so, by immersing the pot in water for a few minutes, then allowing to completely drain.  Temperatures 70- 85F are good,  and avoid drafts.  With improved light levels and constant warm temperatures these should reflower within a few months.  It helps to stand them on pebbles in a saucer, with water below, as his increases the humidity levels around them - ensure the roots don't touch the water, as mentioned earlier.  These plants will flower year round, given the correct care.  http://www.rosebud-florist.co.uk/images/...

Cymbidiums are rather different, as they need cold spells in order to initiate flowering.  They can be stood outside during the summer, but bring inside before frosts, though allow them to have a cool winter period, with good indirect light too.  These plants have long thinish reed like leaves, unlike the Phalaenopsis which has thick fleshy oval leaves.  There's a photo here:  http://www.fromyouflowers.com/products/s...

In winter time keep them at around 45 to 55F at night and 65 to 75F during the day - this temperature differential will initiate flowers for you, and they are largely a winter/spring bloomer because of this.  Again, stand on pebbles with water below to raise humidity.

Feed your orchids with a half strength fertiliser, preferably for orchids, though don't worry if you use regular type- just ensure they get watered in between, to flush out the salts contained in fertilisers.

If it's not one of these Orchids, see if you can describe it, or message me and I'll help you from there, as I grow many different orchid types, from outdoor hardy garden ones, to indoors tropical types.

Hope this helps. Good luck!  Rob